Police Find Suspect Vehicle In Fatal PG County Hit-And-Run: MSP

TEMPLE HILLS, MD — Maryland State Police have found a vehicle they believe was involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a tow truck driver in Temple Hills recently.

Police found a 2004 white Cadillac Escalade at Maryland Route 3 and Route 175 in Gambrills in Anne Arundel County on Sunday afternoon, and they are currently investigating who the driver of the vehicle is, according to an MSP report.

Police believe the vehicle struck 63-year-old David Reinerio Pineda Alvarez of D.C., a tow truck driver who was assisting with a disabled vehicle in the area of Branch Avenue and Coventry Way on Wednesday night.

"Maryland State Police CRASH Team investigators believe Alvarez’ tow truck, with its flashing yellow lights activated, and the disabled vehicle were both on the shoulder at the time of the crash," the report states. "Alvarez is believed to have exited his vehicle and then walked toward the driver’s side of the disabled vehicle parked behind the tow truck, on the shoulder of the road. Police believe it was shortly after 10:30pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 when the Cadillac Escalade struck the disabled vehicle on the driver side mirror before striking Alvarez and possibly the tow truck."

Police say the incident shows why "Move Over" laws were passed.

"This tragedy also highlights the importance of motorists to adhere to Maryland's 'Move Over' laws," the report states. "The intent of the law is to provide an extra barrier of safety for police officers, fire fighters, emergency rescue personnel and service and utility workers working along Maryland roads. It is hoped that drivers will become more aware of police and emergency workers stopped along the road and move away from them or slow down as they pass by the traffic stop or incident scene."

More than 17,000 motorists have been cited or warned statewide since the law was expanded last year.