WASHINGTON — Montgomery County police are investigating a collision Sunday morning, in which a Howard County police officer was injured when his patrol car was struck by a driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol.
The officer was flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center and is listed in stable condition.
At approximately 4:25 a.m., police officer Mike Marino responded to Route 29 northbound, near Old Columbia Road, for a Takoma Park police officer that struck a deer.
Marino located the collision, which was just over the Montgomery County line.
While sitting in his patrol vehicle waiting for Montgomery County officers to arrive, Marino’s patrol vehicle was struck by a 2005 Nissan Murano.
At the time of the collision, Marino’s car had its emergency lights activated to protect the accident scene and to alert oncoming traffic.
Marino, a nine-year veteran, has non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Nissan Murano, identified as Richar Antiguas, 34, of 201 8th St. in Laurel, was transported by ambulance to Shock Trauma, where he is listed in stable condition.
Investigators suspect that alcohol and marijuana use were a factor in the crash.
Charges are pending.
