by David M. Higgins II, Publisher
On Saturday, August 8, 2020, at approximately 5:49 p.m., Deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team and St. Mary’s Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the area of MD Rt. 4 and Huntingtown High School in Huntingtown, MD for a report of a single-vehicle crash.
The preliminary investigation revealed multiple citizens contacted 911 in regards to a white 2006 Honda Ridgeline driving erratic on southbound Rt. 4 in the area of Chaneyville Road in Owings, MD. Deputies located the vehicle and began to observe violations and erratic driving behaviors. A traffic stop was initiated, however, the operator failed to stop for the marked patrol vehicles with their emergency equipment activated. Deputies pursued the vehicle south along Rt. 4.
Upon approaching the intersection of Rt. 4 and Huntingtown High School, for unknown reasons, the operator lost control and struck the traffic light pole in the median where the vehicle came to a final rest.
The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Hunter Kristian Sondberg, 34 of Sunderland, MD.
Life-saving measures were attempted by Deputies and Emergency Medical Services personnel on scene, however, Sondberg succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Speed and driver error is believed to be the cause of the crash. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Cpl. Brian Connelly of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Reconstruction Unit at (301) 475-4200 ext. 8031 or via email brian.connelly@stmarysmd.com or DFC. W. Beisel of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team at (410) 535- 2800 ext. 2131 or via email William.beisel@calvertcountymd.gov
Huntingtown, MD- At approximately 6 p.m. this evening rescue units responded to a motor vehicle crash with the vehicle on fire on Route 4 near Huntingtown High School.
When units arrived they discovered a fully engulfed vehicle with one person suffering burns over 100% of their body. A MEDEVAC was called but was canceled when rescue units pronounced the victim to have died from the injuries suffered.
The area of Route 4 will be closed for investigation and traffic will be diverted down Old Town Road. Watch for emergency vehicles and personnel and expect delays.
This is a developing story.