WASHINGTON — A 24-year-old Montgomery County police officer is still hospitalized in critical condition after he was hit by a car during a traffic stop last Thursday on Rockville Pike.
Noah Leotta was working as a member of the department’s holiday alcohol task force and was in the middle of a traffic stop when he was hit about 9:45 p.m. near Edmonston Drive.
Police say a 47-year-old man from Olney, who was driving north on Rockville Pike, hit Leotta’s parked squad car and then hit Leotta, who was outside the police car at the time.
The driver stayed at the scene and was taken into custody for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. However he was not charged and the results of blood tests that would confirm the presence of drugs or alcohol are not yet available.
Results of the crash investigation will be sent to the state’s attorney’s office for review before any charges could be filed, a police spokeswoman said.
Leotta joined the county police department in 2013 and is assigned to the 4th District.
“He is a caring person who became a cop to serve the community where he grew up,” said Police Chief Tom Manger in a statement. “He needs everyone’s prayers as he fights for his life.”
Manger says Leotta is a caring officer.
“Truly cares about people, sensitive, empathetic, and spirit for public service — this is the kind of police officer he is,” Manger says.
Manger says the department is in the process of providing as much support as it can for the Leotta family.
Email Leotta at fornoah@montgomerycountymd.gov. The mailbox is designated for sending well wishes to Leotta and his family.
Cards can be sent to:
For Officer Noah Leotta, Montgomery County Police Department — 4th District, 2300 Randolph Road, Wheaton, Maryland 20902.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
