LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that killed a 40-year-old California man early Friday morning on Three Notch Road.
Deputies responded at 2:26 a.m. April 10, 2026, to the southbound lane of the 22700 block of Three Notch Road, near Town Creek Drive, for a report of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Jesse San Nicolas, 40, of California, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation determined that San Nicolas was attempting to cross the southbound lanes when he was struck by more than one vehicle. A 2016 BMW 528i sedan driven by a 21-year-old Waldorf man was involved in the collision and remained on scene. A second vehicle fled the area without stopping.
Investigators believe the fleeing vehicle is a dark blue or black 2011-2020 Dodge Caravan that sustained front bumper damage in the crash.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction team has taken over the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or observed a 2011-2020 Dodge Caravan with front-end damage to come forward.
Sergeant Shawn Shelko is the lead investigator. Witnesses can contact him at Shawn.Shelko@stmaryscountymd.gov or by calling 301-475-4200, extension 8147.
Anonymous tips are encouraged through multiple channels. Text “SMCSO” followed by a space and the tip to 847411. Submit tips online via the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips. Use the SMCSO mobile app, available for free on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Call the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333. Tipsters who provide information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward and never have to provide their name.
Three Notch Road, also known as Maryland Route 235, is a major north-south corridor through Southern Maryland that carries heavy traffic between St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties. The area near Town Creek Drive in California includes residential neighborhoods, commercial developments and proximity to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
Fatal pedestrian crashes remain a concern along Route 235, where higher speeds and multiple lanes can create hazards for those crossing on foot, especially at night. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office routinely investigates such incidents with specialized reconstruction techniques to determine speed, point of impact and sequence of events.
No charges have been announced against the Waldorf driver who remained at the scene. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to identify the fleeing vehicle and driver.
Southern Maryland residents are reminded to use designated crosswalks, exercise caution when crossing multi-lane roads after dark and report any suspicious vehicle damage that matches the description provided.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details on road conditions, weather or toxicology at this time. Updates will be provided as the reconstruction analysis progresses.
This incident marks the latest traffic fatality in St. Mary’s County in 2026, prompting renewed calls for driver vigilance and pedestrian safety along busy county roadways.
