Update March 28:
The Prince George’s County Police Department continues to investigate the collision that killed Police Officer First Class Brennan Rabain on March 7, 2015. Investigators have now determined several possible factors that may have contributed to the crash. They’ve also received final autopsy results from Maryland’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
After informing POFC Rabain’s parents and the PGPD family this afternoon, we’re now releasing to our community pertinent details regarding this collision. While the reconstruction report is not complete, we do know at one point POFC Rabain reached a speed of 106 miles per hour as he attempted to conduct a traffic stop that morning. When he lost control on Greenbelt Road, he was going 64 miles an hour and at the time of impact, the cruiser was travelling 50 miles per hour. Additionally, results of the toxicology report reveal POFC Rabain’s blood alcohol concentration was .07. Under Maryland law, a BAC of .07 could lead to a charge of driving while impaired. Based on traffic camera video, POFC Rabain’s interaction with another police agency moments before the crash, witness testimony, and evidence at the crash scene, there is no indication that alcohol is the primary cause of this crash.
The in-car police radio reveals the officer changed the channel at 3:19 am to the local police district in which he was driving. Investigators believe he did this to call in the pending traffic stop, but that never happened. The first 911 call reporting the accident came in at 3:21 am.
“I do not condone POFC Rabain’s decision to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. While we will never know precisely what role alcohol played in this crash, the outcome is tragic. The excessive speed can not be ignored either. But we do know that in the final moments of his life, this young officer was committed to protecting the people of Prince George’s County,” said Chief Mark Magaw.
In 2012, our department launched an officer driving safety campaign called “Arrive Alive” after two of our officers died on county roadways within a two-month period. Every week, the department publishes an internal driver safety message that’s sent to all PGPD personnel and is also posted in roll call rooms. The message also goes out over our radio system six times a day.
As the investigation into this fatal collision continues, this department’s top priority remains supporting POFC Rabain’s grieving family and squad who lost a son, brother, father and friend.
Prince George’s County Police Department Officer Brennan Rabain
Lanhan, MD — Early on the morning on Saturday, March 7, an officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) was involved in a fatal collision in the 9500 block of Greenbelt Road in Lanham.
The preliminary investigation reveals Police Officer Brennan Rabain was attempting to make a traffic stop at about 3:30 a.m. when, for reasons still unknown, his cruiser left the roadway and struck a wooden fence. The 26-year-old officer was pronounced dead on the scene.
“He was a young officer. Loved this department, loved this County,” said Police Chief Mark Magaw. “He was a fine officer.” Chief Magaw authorized the department’s wearing of a mourning band to honor thne fallen officer, who had been with the PGPD for less than two years. He leaves behind a three-year-old daughter. The police department would like to thank the community for its overwhelming show of support.
Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 731-4422. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police and submit a tip online.
A video of the vehicles in the vicinity prior to the fatal crash has been released by PGCPD.
http://pgpolice.blogspot.com/2015/03/pgpd-releases-video-involving-fatal.html
Funeral arrangements for Officer Rabain announced
Viewing: Wednesday, March 11, 3 to 7 p.m. at Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Services: Thursday, March 12, 2015, 10 a.m., Victory Christian Ministries, 3911 Saint Barnabas Road, Temple Hills, MD 20746
Internment immediately following: Lakemount Memorial Park Cemetery, 900 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035
Repast immediately following: FOP 89, 2905 Old Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772