Full Breakdown
USPS Driver Charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in Fatal Pedestrian Crash
3/30/2026, 4:50:42 AM
Incident Overview
On July 16, 2025, a pedestrian, 64-year-old Mairi Nicola Morrison of Garrett Park, was fatally struck by a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) van driven by 26-year-old Oscar Pedrozo in Montgomery County, Maryland. The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Plyers Mill Road. Morrison was walking southbound on the sidewalk when she entered the driveway apron of a gas station, where she was hit by the USPS vehicle as Pedrozo was preparing to turn northbound after leaving the gas station.
Investigation and Charges
Following the crash, Morrison was transported to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The Montgomery County Department of Police Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted an extensive investigation, which revealed that Pedrozo was wearing earbuds and listening to music at the time of the incident. Furthermore, it was determined that the USPS van continued to move forward after the initial impact and subsequently reversed while Morrison was still underneath the vehicle. As a result of these findings, Pedrozo was charged with criminally negligent homicide in March 2026, several months after the incident. He turned himself in on March 25 and was released on bond.
Official Statements & Responses
The Montgomery County Police Department emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, which took several months to complete before charges were filed. The department's Collision Reconstruction Unit aims to ensure accountability in cases involving traffic fatalities.
Criticism & Opposition
Some community members have expressed concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians in the area, particularly in relation to the presence of USPS vehicles. Critics argue that the incident highlights a broader issue of driver awareness and pedestrian safety, especially in busy urban environments.
Verbatim Quotes
“Investigators also determined the van continued moving forward after the initial impact and then reversed while Morrison was still underneath the vehicle.” — Montgomery County Police Department
What's Next
The case against Oscar Pedrozo is expected to proceed through the legal system, with further court dates anticipated as the prosecution builds its case based on the findings of the investigation. Community discussions regarding pedestrian safety measures in Montgomery County may also arise as a result of this incident.
