Md. State Trooper Attacked On Capital Beltway

FOREST HEIGHTS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland state trooper is recovering after being attacked on the Capital Beltway while responding to a traffic accident.

The trooper, Byron Tribue, was stabbed in the hand Saturday morning. He was treated at Fort Washington Hospital and released.

The suspect, James A. Howard of Hyattsville, Md., is under police guard at the hospital. Charges are pending.

The stabbing occurred after Tribue responded to a report of a car crash on the southeast side of the Capital Beltway. Officials say Howard, who placed the call, approached the trooper after his car pulled up and attacked him with a knife through the window.

State Police say Tribue warded off the attack. An unknown person jumped on Howard's back.

Investigators think Howard may have started the attack to encourage Tribue to use deadly force against him.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)