A Frederick, Md., police officer died after crashing his cruiser while on duty, according to the department.
Officer Richard Bremer, 39, was attempting to conduct a traffic stop in the 500 block of West South Street about 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, but the other vehicle, a dark-color SUV, refused to stop, according to police. Bremer pursued the SUV, and dispatchers lost contact with him.
Backup officers found Bremer's wrecked car in some trees beside the road. Bremer suffered severe injuries and was flown to an area trauma center, where he was pronounced dead.
James Sweeney, 51, of Frederick, was arrested. Investigators believe he was the driver of the SUV, police said.
Police found Sweeney in a hotel on the city's West Side and arrested him on an outstanding warrant. He will be charged with 16 crimes.
The most serious crime Sweeney is charged with is fleeing and eluding a police officer resulting in the officer's death, State's Attorney Charles Smith said.
Bremer was married and had three children, police said. He was a 5-year veteran of the department.
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Members of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit are investigating.
Mayor William Jefferson Holtzinger has ordered city flags flown at half-staff.
