DWI HIT PARADE / Maryland State Trooper Angel Ortiz Hit by Repeat Drunk Driver Maurice Gresham on DC Beltway
FORESTVILLE, MD. – The Fifth time is the charm. The incidents of drunk or otherwise impaired and clueless motorists slamming into Maryland State Troopers rang up another score on Nov. 11, 2017. The Washington, D.C. Beltway remains the most popular highway venue for DUI drivers to go on the prowl for prowl cars, with several blasts into police cruisers taking place on I-495.
A Maryland State Trooper was hit by a repeat offender drunk driver while working in his patrol vehicle on I-495 in Prince George’s County early this morning.
The trooper identified as TFC Angel Ortiz is a 7-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and is assigned to Forestville Barrack. He was transported to Prince George’s Hospital by ambulance where he is currently being treated for his injuries.
The accused is identified as Maurice Gresham, 51, of 1001 Ritchie Station Court, Capitol Heights, Md. Gresham was arrested for DUI and arrested without incident on the scene. He was transported to Forestville Barrack where he is currently being processed.
Shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2017, Maryland State Police from the Forestville Barrack responded to a crash on the outer loop of the Capital Beltway at Allentown Road. The preliminary investigation indicates TFC Ortiz’s vehicle was struck in the rear while parked in lane 4 on the outer loop behind a disabled vehicle. He was sitting in his marked Ford Explorer when his vehicle was hit by Gresham who was operating a silver Audi A-5.
TFC Ortiz was on duty and parked with his emergency lights activated behind a motorist changing a flat tire on a disabled vehicle in the slow lane. TFC Ortiz also set out flares around the scene.
TFC Ortiz was transported by ambulance from the scene to Prince George’s Hospital. There were no other reported injuries.
Gresham was charged with driving on a suspended license by a Seat Pleasant Police Officer on March 20, 2014. The charge was dropped by Prince Georges County States Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
Gresham was arrested for DUI by Anne Arundel County Police Officer Tilghman on Nov. 21, 2012, as he operated a 2006 Volkswagen on Rt. 175 at Blue Water Blvd. In a plea deal with the Anne Arundel County States Attorney on March 13, 2013, Gresham entered a guilty plea to DUI. THE DEAL: 8 months in jail with 7 months and 29 days suspended, a fine of $85 and probation, thus the fine was less than a seatbelt violation and he spent but one day in jail. Anne Arundel States Attorney Frank Weathersbee was in office when this plea deal was made. He resigned effective June 11, 2013, to take a post on the Maryland Parole Commission.