MCP: Driver of Police Car That Struck Teen Placed on Leave

The Montgomery County Police officer who, while responding to a football game fight Friday, struck and injured a teen pedestrian has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Police identified the driver as Cpl. Raymond Bennett, an 18-year veteran assigned to the 5th District in Germantown. Following protocol, Montgomery County Police said Bennett had been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.  

Three other officers were also placed on paid administrative leave due to their part in providing immediate emergency care for the 15-year-old female pedestrian, police said.

At around 9:15 p.m. Friday police responded to reports of “numerous” fights breaking out near Watkins Mill High School after a football game. Football rivals Clarksburg and Watkins Mill had just finished their annual grudge match—a 10-8 win by Watkins Mill, according to witnesses—when several brawls reportedly began, Montgomery Village Patch reported Friday. 

According to police, the responding officers turned onto Apple Ridge Road with emergency lights activated when the teen girl, a sophomore at Watkins Mill, entered the roadway and was struck by the second of the two cruisers. 

Police said officers immediately began administering first aid. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. 

In a post to students on Monday morning, Watkins Mill High School principal Scott W. Murphy said the injured sophomore was “alert, talking with friends and family, sitting upright and expected to begin physical therapy soon. “

The Montgomery County Police-Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) continues to investigate the crash. Investigators have already spoken to numerous witnesses to the collision. But police have asked witnesses who have not talked to investigators to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 301-840-2435.  Callers may remain anonymous.