Howard County Police Officer Injured in Route 29 Crash

Unmarked vehicle rolled over after driver tried to avoid another car changing lanes

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged police vehicle part, such as a broken mirror or cracked headlight, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a police vehicle crash.A damaged police vehicle part serves as a stark reminder of the risks officers face on the road, even when not actively responding to an emergency.Columbia Today

A Howard County police officer was injured in a crash on U.S. Route 29 in Columbia, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon. The officer, who was driving an unmarked vehicle, lost control and rolled over after trying to avoid another car that switched into the officer's lane.

Why it matters

Police vehicle crashes can raise concerns about officer safety and the risks they face on the job, as well as questions about driving protocols and procedures for unmarked law enforcement vehicles.

The details

According to a spokeswoman for the Howard County Police Department, the officer was not attempting to stop or pursue any vehicle, and the car's emergency lights were not on when the crash occurred. The officer was taken to Shock Trauma as a precautionary measure but has since been released.

  • The crash happened on Thursday, April 10, 2026, around 3 p.m.

The players

Howard County Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing Howard County, Maryland.

Sherry Llewellyn

A spokeswoman for the Howard County Police Department who provided details about the crash.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and challenges that police officers face while on patrol, even when not actively responding to a call or pursuing a suspect. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and protocols for law enforcement vehicles.