CLARKSBURG, Md. – A chaotic rush-hour scene unfolded Friday afternoon on Interstate 270, where a wrong-way driver pursued by police crashed while traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near Clarksburg. Authorities say the man was traveling with children inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Police Pursuit Across Two Counties
The incident began in Frederick County, when Maryland State Police attempted to stop a vehicle driving the wrong way along the shoulder of Route 15. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit as the suspect entered Montgomery County, continuing to flee at high speed into oncoming traffic.
The chase ended violently when the driver crashed on I-270, bringing traffic to a standstill for hours during the evening rush.
Driver Holding Child After Crash
Authorities say after the vehicle came to a stop, the man got out of the car holding a child. Montgomery County Police officers called in crisis negotiators to help de-escalate the situation.
“Our officers did tase the individual after negotiations were unsuccessful,” said department spokesperson Shiera Goff.
The child appeared to be unharmed and was safely removed from the scene, while the suspect was taken away on a stretcher and later placed under arrest.
Hours-Long Shutdown on I-270
The crash occurred around 4:15 p.m., forcing the closure of all northbound lanes of I-270 for several hours as investigators worked the scene. Traffic stretched for miles, affecting commuters across Montgomery County.
Police have not released the suspect’s name or the exact charges he may face but confirmed that he is in custody.
The Maryland State Police and Montgomery County Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the pursuit, including whether impairment or mental health issues played a role.
Stay with HonkNews.com for updates as new details emerge in this developing case.