Driver Charged In Fatal Crash Went 100 MPH, Hit Man On Mower: Police

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Gaithersburg man police said was driving 100 mph when his car fatally struck a man on a riding lawn mower has been charged with manslaughter nearly four months after the deadly crash.

Maxim Galkin, 24, was arrested Dec. 17 and charged with gross negligence manslaughter by vehicle for the fatal collision, Montgomery County police said Wednesday. Galkin was taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, then released on a $100,000 unsecured personal bond.

On Aug. 20, Montgomery County and Gaithersburg Police officers responded to the area of Great Seneca Highway and High Gables Drive, where Galkin's 2021 Genesis G70 had collided with the driver of a riding lawn mower, a police news release said.

The victim, Juan Guerrero-Moreno, 28, of Silver Spring, was found unresponsive in the road. Life-saving measures were attempted, and Guerrero-Moreno was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators said the speed limit at the crash site was 50 mph.

Despite posted yellow warning signs indicating the presence of pedestrians and an approaching intersection, Galkin's sedan struck the mower while Guerrero-Moreno was crossing Great Seneca Highway's northbound lanes.

Galkin remained on the scene following the crash, authorities said.