ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — A four-vehicle collision occurred on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at approximately 4:17 p.m., in the northbound lanes of the 22000 block of Three Notch Road, resulting in a major injury and significant disruption. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Emergency Medical Services, quickly responded to the scene after receiving reports of a serious crash, which included a vehicle with entrapment.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered that four vehicles were involved in the accident. Due to the complexity and severity of the crash, the Sheriff’s Office’s Collision Reconstruction Unit was called to take over the investigation.
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation revealed that Andrew Jason Causey, 44, of Solomons, was driving a red 2014 Ford Focus southbound in the northbound lanes of Three Notch Road. His vehicle collided head-on with a black 2022 Ram 1500, driven by Daniel James Heath, 35, of Hollywood, Maryland. The force of the head-on collision between the two vehicles resulted in significant damage, with Causey sustaining life-threatening injuries.
After the impact, a third vehicle, a 2023 white Chevrolet Tahoe, could not avoid the scene and struck Heath’s Ram, though the damage caused was reportedly minor. Additionally, a fourth vehicle, a 2013 silver Hyundai Sonata, was struck by debris from the crash, also sustaining only minor damage.
Emergency crews, including personnel from the Bay District Fire Department, arrived at the scene to assist in extricating Causey from his severely damaged vehicle. He was then airlifted to a nearby trauma center for urgent medical care. No other individuals involved in the crash reported any injuries.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the investigation is still in its early stages, and preliminary findings suggest that speed was not a contributing factor. However, authorities have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the incident.
Corporal Vincent Pontorno is leading the ongoing investigation and urges anyone who witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it to come forward. “We are requesting assistance from the public in gathering any additional information that could aid in our investigation,” said Pontorno. Witnesses or individuals with any relevant information are encouraged to contact Corporal Pontorno at 301-475-4200, extension 2337, or via email at Vincent.Pontorno@stmaryscountymd.gov.
The crash, which occurred on one of the county’s busiest roadways, caused significant traffic disruptions in the area for several hours as the scene was cleared, and the investigation began. Local authorities urged drivers to be cautious and patient while detours were in place.
The identities of the individuals involved were quickly released, with Causey suffering the most severe consequences from the crash. As of now, his condition remains critical, and further updates on his recovery are awaited.
Authorities are now focused on reconstructing the events leading up to the collision to determine the full scope of the circumstances involved. The SMCSO Collision Reconstruction Unit will continue to analyze evidence, including vehicle data and witness testimony, as part of the investigative process.
The public is reminded that while speed has been ruled out, other factors, including road conditions and driver behavior, remain under review as part of the unit’s comprehensive analysis.
Further updates from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are expected as the investigation progresses.
