A Maryland state trooper was struck Sunday evening on I-495 by a suspected impaired driver.
Trooper Dennis Moguche was in his marked patrol car monitoring traffic from the center median crossover north of Route 5 when a Buick LeSabre driven by 43-year-old Christopher Howard of Indian Head, Maryland, left the road and struck him just after 7 p.m., state police said.
Howard was charged with driving while impaired, driving under the influence, reckless driving, negligent driving and failure to control speed to avoid a collision.
Moguche was taken to Fort Washington Hospital where he was treated for injuries and released.
Howard reported no injuries and was released after appearing before a court commissioner and posting a $3,500 bond.
Moguche was the second trooper hit this month on the Capital Beltway and the 15th hit this year, according to Maryland State Police Capt. Dan Pickett.
Police urge drivers to be alert for police and other personnel who may be on the shoulders of Maryland roads.
