MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said a man was arrested and charged in connection to a crash.
MCPD said that on Oct. 24 at about 9 a.m., a man was driving on Briggs Chaney Rd. when he hit a Montgomery DOT employee who was working in the area.
After the crash, the man left without trying to help the victim. The man ended up fleeing the area and traveling to Bogotá, Colombia.
On Dec. 14, the man, identified as 30-year-old Ricky Rohan Kapoor, was arrested at Dulles International Airport upon returning to the United States.
Kapoor is being charged with failure to immediately return and remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury.
“Filing charges in this case was the critical first step, but we also need to look at addressing the broader safety concerns,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada. “It is everyone’s responsibility when they get behind the wheel of a car to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep all road users safe, especially our vulnerable road users. These types of tragedies are absolutely preventable.”
Montgomery County is reminding drivers to do the following when approaching a work zone:
- Slow down: Reduced speed limits are posted for a reason. Workers are often very close to traffic, and a slower speed gives drivers more time to react.
- Be alert: Stay focused on the road. Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone when driving through work zones.
- Follow road signs: Pay attention to signs and traffic cones that indicate lane closures, detours, or workers in the area. These are there to guide drivers safely through the zone.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep plenty of space between your vehicle and construction workers, machinery and other vehicles. This ensures that you have room to react to unexpected situations.
- Yield to workers: Always yield to flaggers and construction personnel. They are directing traffic to keep everyone safe.
- Expect the unexpected: Work zones can change daily, with new obstacles or lane configurations. Always stay prepared for sudden changes in traffic patterns.
