(Charlotte Hall, Maryland) – On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 0600 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack along with deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Maryland Route 234 (Budds Creek Rd) at Stines Store Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP CRASH Team indicates a 2016 Mazda 6 operated by Nathan Cooper (22 yoa) of Mechanicsville, MD was traveling westbound on Maryland Route 234 in the area of Stines Store Road. A 2000 Chevrolet Blazer operated by Dale Bradley (72 yoa) of King George, VA was traveling eastbound on Maryland Route 234 in the area of Stines Store Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Mazda crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Chevrolet Blazer. Mr. Bradley was pronounced deceased on the scene. Mr. Cooper was transported to Capital Region Hospital in Largo, MD by MSP Aviation Command helicopter Trooper 7 with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231 or email a statement to justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the Charles County States Attorney’s Office for charges. (26-MSP-006111)