Police Officer's Accident Inspires 5K, Enforcement Of Move Over Law

SYKESVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- It's a long road to recovery for a state trooper hit by a car while helping another officer. But Sunday, hundreds of supporters ran a race to make sure her path is a smoother one.

Gigi Barnett has more.

For one month now, State Trooper Jacqueline Kline has been on the mend. The promising officer was hit by a car as she helped another trooper with a traffic stop along Rt. 100. The impact left Kline with a serious brain injury.

But this weekend, more than 850 runners participated in the 5K For JK in Sykeville, showing their support for the wounded trooper.

"Right now, I would tell her, `You've got all of these friends and family and support and motivation. Enjoy it and take advantage of it," said 5K winner Tom Rudowsky.

Tom Rudowsky, 21, won the three-mile run. You can't tell, but he also had a serious brain injury caused by a car accident six years ago.

An avid runner, Rudowsky came to the race to support another friend, but decided at the last minute to join in and finished first. He dedicates the win to Trooper Kline.

"I just really wanted to say... to let Jackie know what could come into fruition after your accident," he said.

Kline is still recovering at Sinai Hospital. While insurance will pay for much of it, race organizers say it's the unexpected costs of getting well that will hit her family hard.

"She's progressing very well in her rehab, but we don't know what it's going to be like. Obviously, the goal is that she returns to duty, but if that doesn't happen, then she's going to have the effects of this injury forever. So anything we can do will help," said Ed Strapp, who organized the race.

Kline's accident sparked a statewide move to step up enforcement of the Move Over law. It requires drivers to switch lanes away from emergency vehicles.

Other Local News: