BRANDYWINE, MD – Retired Detective Killed in Crash With Off-Duty Officer

BRANDYWINE, MD — A retired Metropolitan Police Department detective was killed Monday night in a devastating crash along Route 301 in Brandywine, Maryland. The incident has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and raised serious questions about impaired driving among police officers.

56-year-old Carlton Herndon was attempting to cross Route 301 near Missouri Avenue when his car was hit by a Ford F-250 being driven by Anthony Coleman. Coleman, a current Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officer, was placed on administrative status with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

The crash occurred around 8:40 p.m. when Coleman was driving north on Route 301 in a Ford F-250 when he struck a Nissan Maxima crossing the intersection of the highway and Missouri Avenue. Coleman was off duty and in his personal vehicle at the time of the crash.

No charges have been filed, though Maryland State Police — which is investigating — believes alcohol and speeding were factors in the crash. This allegation is particularly troubling given Coleman’s position as a law enforcement officer sworn to uphold the law and protect public safety.

Anthony Coleman, 34, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was placed on administrative leave from his position as chief of staff at the Forest Heights Police Department, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against him.

Carlton Herndon, the 56-year-old victim, was a retired Metropolitan Police Department detective.

What Happens When Police Officers Cause Fatal Car Accidents?

When law enforcement officers are involved in crashes while allegedly impaired, it raises complex legal and ethical questions. If alcohol and speeding are confirmed as factors, Coleman could face serious criminal charges including vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and reckless driving. The fact that he is a police officer may actually result in enhanced penalties under certain circumstances.

The victim’s family has the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Coleman personally, and potentially against his employing police department depending on the circumstances and policies in place. Beyond potential criminal charges, Coleman faces termination from the police force and the permanent loss of his law enforcement credentials.

Understanding Impaired Driving Risks

This tragic incident underscores the deadly consequences of impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they transform their vehicles into potentially deadly weapons.

Alcohol impairs critical driving abilities including:

• Reaction time
• Judgment and decision-making
• Coordination and motor skills
• Vision and perception
• Ability to track moving objects

Route 301 Intersection Safety

The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 301 and Missouri Avenue, where Herndon was attempting to cross. Intersections are inherently dangerous locations where multiple traffic streams converge, and they require heightened attention from all drivers.

Common intersection crash factors include:

• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Speeding through intersections
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Poor visibility conditions

Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland Car Accidents

When impaired drivers cause fatal crashes, families of victims deserve justice and accountability. This includes both criminal prosecution of the responsible party and civil action to recover damages for the immense losses they have suffered.

Wrongful death damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses prior to death
• Lost income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and support
• Pain and suffering of surviving family members

Investigation Ongoing

Maryland State Police continue to investigate this tragic crash. The involvement of an off-duty police officer adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as authorities must ensure a thorough and impartial review of all evidence.

The law enforcement community, like all members of society, must be held to the highest standards when it comes to public safety. No one is above the law, and those who choose to drive while impaired must face the full consequences of their actions.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash involving an impaired driver in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Regan Zambri Long can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.