By Police1 Staff
ROCKVILLE, Md. — A man who was charged with negligent driving in connection with a crash that killed a Maryland FBI agent and a fire marshal will not face any jail time.
WTTG reports that 28-year-old Roberto A. Garza Palacios will face a $280 fine and three points against his license in connection to a crash that killed FBI Agent Carlos Wolff and Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Sander Cohen.
On Dec. 8, police said Wolff was involved in a crash on a highway and Cohen stopped to help him. Cohen turned on his emergency lights, positioned his vehicle to block Wolff’s vehicle and contacted police.
Investigators said the two men were standing on the shoulder of the left lane when the fatal crash happened. Palacios was driving in the left lane and tried to get over to the right lane but was blocked by traffic.
Palacios then swerved to the left of the two vehicles and struck Wolff and Cohen, throwing both of them over the median. Cohen died at the scene while Wolff was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators determined drugs, alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash. Palacios was issued a citation for negligent driving in April.
Under Maryland law, negligent driving is considered a “lesser included offense” of reckless driving, according to WTOP. Prosecutors must prove wanton or willful disregard for safety of other people or property around them for more serious reckless driving charges.
Palacios’ charge alleges he operated his vehicle in a “careless or imprudent manner, endangering property, life and person.”