DWI HIT PARADE: Work Zone Booze Cruise Put Cuffs on Nithya Ramani

Maryland State Trooper Struck By Impaired Driver In Work Zone

Bethesda, MD – A Maryland State Trooper was struck by a suspected impaired driver while inside his patrol vehicle in a work zone in Montgomery County early on June 19, 2024.

The accused is identified as Nithya Ramani, 37, of 19843 Wheelwright Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Ramani was charged with driving under the influence. She was the operator and sole occupant of a red Honda Accord involved in the crash. She was uninjured in the incident.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m., a state trooper was inside his marked patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated in lane 1 of a work zone on the outer loop I-495 and Greentree Road in Montgomery County. Lanes 1 and 2 were blocked with orange traffic cones, arrow boards, and signs indicating the work zone ahead. 

The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a red Honda, later identified as Ramani, traveled into the work zone at 1:53 am on June 19, 2024. Police say that she struck the right rear of the trooper’s patrol vehicle. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. 

Troopers from the Rockville Barrack responded to the crash.  After observing signs of impairment, Ramani was arrested on the scene.

The trooper was not transported from the scene. 

Charge No: 1 Statute Code: TA.21.901.1.B
Charge Description: NEGLIGENT DRIVING VEHICLE IN CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT MANNER ENDANGERING PROPERTY, LIFE AND PERSON
Speed Limit: 0 Recorded Speed: 0 Location Stopped: O/L I-495 W/O MD 187
Probable Cause Indicator: No Contributed to Accident: Yes Personal Injury: No
Property Damage: Yes
Mandatory Court Appearance: No Fine Amount Owed: $280.00
Vehicle Tag: 3EB1920 State: MD Vehicle Description: 17HOND02 RED ACCORD