Trooper Struck In I-95 Construction Zone; Driver Facing Drug Charges

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A Maryland State Police trooper was injured after a New Jersey man drove into the marked area of a construction zone and slammed into the trooper's car.

It happened around 10 p.m. Sunday on northbound I-95 near mile marker 84.

Authorities say Christofe Taylor, 28, of Logan Township, New Jersey was traveling in his 2009 Toyota Avalon when he struck the back of the trooper's car that was activated with emergency lights.

Further investigation revealed that Taylor was in possession of a plastic bag containing suspected marijuana and ecstasy.

Taylor is being charged with CDS possession not marijuana, marijuana over 10 grams, driving through a safety zone, failure to control vehicle speed on highway to avoid collision, failure to obey traffic control device, negligent driving, driving on suspended out of state, possessing suspended license and displaying suspended license.

The condition of the trooper is unknown at this time

Police say much of the road construction in Maryland is being conducted at night, in order to reduce traffic congestion during the day.  All sites are lit by signboards, directional arrows and police officers and are marked by safety cones or barrels.

Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits in work zones and to stay focused on the road ahead of them, not what is occurring in the construction site.  Their attentiveness will impact their own safety, as well as the safety of construction workers and police officers.