UPDATE – La Plata, MD – The Charles County man involved in the early morning crash on Saturday, October 9, 2016, has succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased is identified as James Cousins, Sr., 75, of Waldorf, Maryland.  Cousins was receiving medical treatment at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. where he succumbed to his injuries.  He was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington D.C. for autopsy.

La Plata, MD – Maryland State Police  confirmed the identity of the driver involved in an early morning trooper involved car crash in Charles County.

The driver of the Chevy Malibu involved in the early morning crash is identified as James Cousins, Senior, 75, of Waldorf, Maryland.  He is currently receiving medical treatment at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.  He was the sole occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

The trooper involved in the crash is identified as Trooper Constance Davis, 25, and assigned to the La Plata Barrack.  She remains at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where she continues to receive medical treatment from injuries sustained in the crash.

The preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after 2:00 a.m. this morning, Trooper Davis was working traffic enforcement at the time of the crash in her marked patrol car.  She was traveling eastbound on Smallwood Drive with her emergency lights activated and preparing to conduct a traffic stop on a speeding motorist.

Police believe Mr. Cousins, operating the Chevy Malibu, was attempting to make a left turn from westbound Smallwood Drive on to Stone Avenue and failed to yield the right of way to Trooper Davis. Despite her efforts to avoid the collision, the two vehicles collided,  forcing Trooper Davis’ patrol car into a nearby tree.  Moments later both vehicles were engulfed in flames.

Citizens near the scene called 9-1-1 and rendered aid to Trooper Davis who was able to escape the burning vehicle. Trooper Davis attempted to remove Cousins from the vehicle, but was unable to do so. She was transported from the scene by ambulance and remains at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where she continues to receive treatment.

Fire and Emergency medical service personnel extricated Cousins from his burning vehicle and immmediately began medical treatment on scene. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to Medstar Washington Hospital Center where he continues to receive treatment.

State troopers from the La Plata Barrack responded to the scene along with deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Personnel from the Charles County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division, Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit, and Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department also responded for assistance.  Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal responded to the scene to conduct a separate investigation due to the fire.

As the CRASH Team continues the investigation, police are asking for any witnesses with information relevant to this incident, to contact the La Plata Barrack at 301-392-1200.