The Maryland State Police, College Park Barrack, Calls For Service/Arrest: 2/3/20-2/9/20

This press release is designed to inform the public of our commitment to ensuring safety and enforcing the laws in Maryland.

Our message this week is stay off the cell phone/mobile device when driving.  The law states:

“Text messaging device” means a handheld device used to send a text message or an electronic message via a short message service, wireless telephone service, or electronic communication network.  In general, an individual may not use a text messaging device to write, send, or read a text message or an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway.  It also includes cellphone calls.  There are some exceptions to this law but if an officer sees a text messaging device, a mobile device or cell phone in your hand while you are driving, you most likely will be stopped and given a ticket or a warning.

We strongly urge everyone to stay off the mobile devices and give a 100% of your attention to your driving.  There is nothing so important you need to look at while you are driving.  If it is, then pull into a parking lot or somewhere safe, stop your vehicle and then use your mobile device at that time.  Our family’s lives depend on it.

Reporting period 2/3/20-2/9/20

Vehicle collisions that required a report: 30

Vehicle collisions that did not require a report: 29

Community policing activity: 4

Disabled/unattended vehicles: 18

DUI arrests: 14

Miscellaneous: 33

Premise checks: 36

Probable cause searches for drugs: 0

Traffic stops: 321

Vehicle storages: 1

Criminal/civil investigations: 20 (Drugs, Theft, Assault, Domestic Violence, Warrants)

Below is a list of individuals that were arrested in this time period:

Date/Time:     Last name:         First name:      Charge:

CONTACT: D/Sgt. Pietanza, Maryland State Police, College Park Barrack, (301)345-3101

Source: Maryland MVA