MARYLAND STATE POLICE BEAT: While shoppers rage in malls, drivers rage on roads; child killed as his DWI Drug Dealer Dad Kenneth Chatmon was in a speed contest and crashed
SALISBURY, MD. – Shoppers were going nuts for bargains as Thanksgiving revved up to warp speed and a Salisbury child was killed after his boozing father lost control of his pickup and slammed into a tree at a high rate of speed, according to Maryland State Police.
Police report that Kenneth Chatmon, 55, of 212 Morris Drive in Salisbury was operating a 2007 Toyota pickup southbound on the Rt. 213 Bypass north of Snow Hill Road.
Police say that witnesses told of Chatmon’s pickup and two other vehicles taking part in what may have been a road rage speed contest on Rt. 13 in Wicomico County, Md. The police related from witness testimony that all three vehicles were traveling well above the 65-mph speed limit in an aggressive manner.
The pickup was observed losing control and then overcorrecting when it left the roadway onto the grassy median, driving back across both lanes of Rt. 13 and then slamming into a tree. The pickup tore into the tree on the passenger side of the truck where the child was sitting, instantly killing Kaleb Chatmon, 6, of South Schumacher Drive, Salisbury, Md.
Kenneth Chatmon was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment and faces charges in connection with the death of the child, as police say speed, alcohol and drug use are all factors in the crash. Possible charges include felony manslaughter which could net Chatmon if convicted up to ten years in prison.
The racing partners of Chatmon did not stop at the scene and police are seeking information from the public on the identity of the drivers and or descriptions of the vehicles; such information can be given to TFC W. Shelter at the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101.
Chatmon’s great Thanksgiving race that killed the child isn’t the only adventure in lunatic driving.
On Nov. 4, 2018, just three weeks prior, he was cited by Maryland State Trooper Matthew Mitchell for driving in excess of prudent and reasonable speed in a construction zone in a 1996 Toyota 4Runner. Court records show he was operating at 73 mph in a 45-mph zone westbound on Rt. 50 at Sixty Foot Road.
Other traffic citations include parking in a handicapped space and speeding.
On March 26, 2015, Chatmon entered a guilty plea to two counts in Grand Jury Indictments of felony drug distribution in a plea deal with the Wicomico County States Attorney. THE DEAL: five years in prison with all but 6 months suspended, which left him free as a bird, with probation for three years. Attorney Michael Rothman, of Rockville, Md., arranged the deal.
Chatmon was divorced by his now ex-wife, Natasha Chatmon, on June 5, 2018.
Wicomico Public Schools posted this message on Facebook:
Dear Prince Street family,
It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. On Thursday, November 22, 2018, a second-grade student, Kaleb Chatmon, passed away as a result of a car accident. We extend our sincere condolences to the Chatmon family. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them during this difficult time.
Wicomico County Public Schools will provide counseling on Monday 11/26 to students and staff at Prince Street Elementary School.
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