WALDORF- A 68-year-old Virginia man was killed and two others injured when a speeding SUV rear-ended another vehicle exiting a car wash on St. Patrick’s Drive in Waldorf Tuesday evening.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office officers responded at approximately 6 p.m. on April 8 to 155 St. Patrick’s Drive for the report of a motor vehicle crash. A preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a gray Honda SUV had exited a car wash and was in the far-right acceleration lane when the driver of a white Genesis SUV reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed struck the Honda SUV in the rear. The impact caused both vehicles to spin into the median.
The front seat passenger in the Honda SUV was pronounced deceased on the scene. He was later identified as Godfrey Derlonard Scarlett age 68 of Virginia. The driver of the Honda SUV a 63-year-old female from Waldorf was flown to a hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Genesis SUV a 50-year-old male of Waldorf was transported by ground to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
No officers were injured during the response. Traffic Operations officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation. Anyone who has information about this crash is asked to contact PFC Dove at 301-609-6225.
This fatal incident marks the latest serious traffic event in Southern Maryland where speeding and high-volume commercial areas contribute to collision risks. On the same day April 8 the Southern Maryland Chronicle reported a separate three-car crash in Harwood that killed a Prince Frederick woman underscoring the regional pattern of roadway dangers. Earlier on April 6 a hit-and-run driver fled after striking a Harley rider in the area. These events coincide with April designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month a statewide campaign that urges drivers to focus on Maryland roads to reduce crashes.
St. Patrick’s Drive in Waldorf serves as a key commercial corridor with businesses including car washes that generate frequent merging and acceleration maneuvers especially during evening hours. Drivers exiting such facilities into acceleration lanes must rely on approaching traffic maintaining safe speeds and distances. The reported high rate of speed in this case highlights how quickly such situations can escalate into tragedy.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details on potential contributing factors such as distraction impairment or mechanical issues at this stage. The investigation remains active as officers review any available evidence including witness accounts or video from nearby businesses.
Southern Maryland residents are reminded that traffic safety depends on collective vigilance. Campaigns like Distracted Driving Awareness Month emphasize simple steps such as avoiding phone use and obeying speed limits to prevent incidents like the one on St. Patrick’s Drive. With the investigation ongoing officials continue to seek public assistance to determine the full sequence of events leading to the collision.
As Traffic Operations officers compile their report this case serves as a call for heightened awareness on local roadways where commercial activity and residential traffic intersect daily. Updates will be issued as more verified information becomes available through official channels.
