Police: Warrant Obtained In Attack On Trooper

FOREST HEIGHTS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland State Police have obtained an arrest warrant charging a Prince George's County man with assaulting a trooper who responded after the man crashed on the Capital Beltway.

Police announced late Saturday James Howard, 54, of Hyattsville is charged with assault, second-degree assault on an officer and trying to disarm an officer. Howard was under police guard at Fort Washington Hospital and is expected to be served with the warrant when he is released.

Police say Howard reported the crash early Saturday then cut the trooper's hand through the window of his cruiser. Investigators think Howard may have started the attack to encourage the trooper to use deadly force against him.

The trooper was treated for a wound to the hand and released.

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