Md. State Trooper Critically Injured After Being Struck On I-495
LANHAM, Md. (WJZ) — Prayers for a Maryland state trooper, who is fighting for his life following a massive crash on the Capitol Beltway. The suspect who hit the cruiser was involved in, not one, but four crashes within a matter of minutes.
Ava-joye Burnett with the latest details on the crash, the investigation by police and the trooper's condition.
The trooper is currently listed in critical condition. At the time he was investigating a crash, not realizing he, too, would be involved in a wreck.
Emergency calls reveal the tense moments after a driver slams into a police cruiser, trapping a Maryland state trooper inside.
Trooper Ezra Ganeshanada, 26, was already on the scene on I-495 investigating a crash when a Mercedes rear-ended him. The Mercedes spun out into the middle of the highway.
A tow truck that was passing by pushed the Mercedes back into the trooper's cruiser.
"So the trooper was struck pretty much twice--one from the rear, and then another vehicle coming into his driver side door," said Cpl. DeVaughn Parker, Maryland State Police.
Police say before hitting the trooper, the driver, 60-year-old Prasad Yadavali of New Jersey, had just hit three cars about a mile and a half away and then left the scene.
"Everybody was around the police officer. There was another guy trying to help me out. I run to the state trooper, go to the other side of the door--their passenger side door--and I told him, 'Officer, are you OK? Is everything OK?' He didn't respond to it, so I got on the radio and I was like, 'Trooper down on 495,'" the tow truck driver, Tom Herrera, said.
Ganeshanada has a brother who is also a Maryland state trooper.
After the crash, many members of the force gathered outside Shock Trauma.
Line of trooper cruisers outside hospital. Trooper involved in accident on 495 was flown here. @cbsbaltimore pic.twitter.com/C9lKVuDFT4
— Avajoye Burnett (@AvajoyeWJZ) April 14, 2016
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Governor Larry Hogan is also offering his support.
Please join w/ me & the First Lady as we send our prayers, love, and support to one of Maryland's Finest. @MDSP pic.twitter.com/d4SLQrHYhY
— Larry Hogan (@LarryHogan) April 14, 2016
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Trooper Ganeshanada joined the Maryland State Police in January of 2015. He graduated in July 2015. He is assigned to road patrol duties at the College Park Barrack.
The driver was taken to the hospital as well. Charges are pending against him.
State police are investigating the cause. At this point, there is no indication alcohol was a factor.
