x
Breaking News
More () »

Driver in fatal hit-and-run crash involving horse-drawn buggy was under the influence, police say

Ryan Cherrico was arrested on 8 charges, including negligent homicide by vehicle under the influence and negligent manslaughter.

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A 31-year-old Maryland man who fled the scene of a fatal hit-and-run crash has been arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence on a suspended license and negligent homicide. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office said Ryan Cherrico, 31, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when he crashed into a horse-drawn carriage near the intersection of Point Lookout Road and Loveville Road in Loveville, Maryland on Oct. 27. 

The driver of the buggy, 65-year-old Henry Stauffer, was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene, the Sheriff's Office said.

According to police, Cherrico fled the scene of the crash on foot. He was found and arrested on Nov. 2 and has been charged with multiple counts, including:

  • Negligent Homicide by Vehicle Under the Influence
  • Negligent Manslaughter by Vehicle
  • Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking
  • Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol
  • Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol
  • Driving Motor Vehicle on Highway on Suspended License and Privilege
  • Failure to Immediately Return and Remain at Scene of Accident Involving Death
  • Failure of Driver Involved in Accident to Render Reasonable Assistance to Injured Person

The horse survived the crash, but there are no updates on any injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Corporal Jason Smith at 301-475-4200, ext. 72328 or by email at jason.smith@stmarysmd.com.

Cherrico remains incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

RELATED: Pick-up truck barrels into horse-drawn buggy, driver ejected dies

RELATED: Police: Vehicle sought in a hit and run on New York Ave in Northeast

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out