Police Officer Sent to Hospital After Head-On Crash with Suspected Drunk Driver

A Prince George’s County Police Department officer was injured after a suspected drunk driver crossed into oncoming traffic and slamming into a patrol car, according to a news release.

Patrol officers were called to the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Muirkirk Meadows Drive in Laurel at about 1:30 a.m. Friday for a crash involving an on-duty Prince George’s County Police officer, according to the department's blog.

The preliminary investigation shows the suspect -- Devonne Brooks, 32, of the 5600 block of Whitfield Chapel Road in Lanham -- was driving a Toyota Camry northbound on Baltimore Avenue. Police Officer First Class Andrew Wallman was in his marked cruiser heading southbound on Baltimore Avenue. Investigators believe Brooks crossed into oncoming traffic to pass another driver and struck Wallman’s cruiser head on, the department blog says. 

Wallman, who was wearing his seatbelt, was treated and released at the hospital for minor injuries. Brooks was not hurt.

The preliminary investigation reveals Brooks had been drinking prior to the crash, the department said. A breath test revealed he had a blood alcohol content of .16, which is twice the legal limit. He was arrested and faces charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Wallman is a seven-year veteran of the department assigned to the Bureau of Patrol.