A Prince George’s County grand jury indicted suspended police corporal Anthony Coleman on six charges Jan. 8, 2026, stemming from a fatal crash July 7, 2025, in Brandywine that killed retired law enforcement officer Carlton Herndon.
Coleman, off duty and driving his personal Ford F-250 truck at the time, faces charges including negligent manslaughter by vehicle, criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle, negligent homicide by auto while under the influence, homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol, and handgun transport under the influence of alcohol.
The crash occurred shortly before 8:40 p.m. on northbound Route 301 near Missouri Avenue when Herndon, 56, of Clinton, driving a Nissan Maxima, attempted to cross the highway and was struck by Coleman’s vehicle. Herndon, a retired Metropolitan Police Department detective with 28 years of service who later worked as a Prince George’s County District Court bailiff, was pronounced dead at the scene. Maryland State Police investigation indicated speed and alcohol as contributing factors on Coleman’s part.
Coleman, 34, of Upper Marlboro, had his police powers suspended immediately after the collision. Following the indictment, he was suspended without pay, in accordance with the Maryland Police Accountability Act. An Internal Affairs Division administrative investigation remains ongoing.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson announced the indictment. The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed Coleman’s status change in a statement.
The crash site proximity highlights regional road safety issues. Route 301 traverses Southern Maryland, connecting communities and serving as a major artery. In Charles County, adjacent to the crash location, traffic fatalities and impaired driving remain concerns, with state data showing alcohol involvement in a portion of serious crashes.
Southern Maryland law enforcement agencies, including Prince George’s County Police, collaborate on regional initiatives. The indictment underscores accountability measures under state law for officers involved in serious incidents.
Herndon’s death marked one of 97 road fatalities in Prince George’s County in 2025, with about one-third involving drugs or alcohol. Route 301 has long been identified as dangerous, with past studies noting high crash rates but limited improvements.
Family members of Herndon previously expressed concerns about investigation transparency. The case proceeds through the Prince George’s County court system in Upper Marlboro.
