Arnold Man Struck By Severna Park Driver On Ritchie Highway

ARNOLD, MD -- An Arnold man attempting to cross Ritchie Highway near West Campus Drive not in a crosswalk was hit by a northbound 2016 Ford Transit van on June 26 at approximately 10:26 p.m. William Smoot, 49, of Arnold, was transported by Maryland State Police medevac helicopter to Shock Trauma in Baltimore with critical life-threatening injuries.

At the time of the crash, the intersection signals were flashing yellow for the Ford. The driver, 66-year-old Vickie Smith of Severna Park, called 911, as did her passengers William Smith, 67, and Ralph Ellis, 45. They weren't injured.

According to the Anne Arundel County police department, the preliminary cause of the crash was the pedestrian failing to yield to roadway traffic. There appeared to be no indication of excessive speed, drug or alcohol use by the Ford driver, the police department stated. The Traffic Safety Section is handing the investigation and the case will be reviewed by the state's attorney.