PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — In a devastating and deeply troubling incident that has reverberated across Maryland and Washington, D.C., 56-year-old Carlton Herndon, a retired and highly respected detective, was killed in a violent crash on the evening of Monday, July 7, 2025. Herndon, a longtime Clinton, Maryland resident and pillar of his community, lost his life when his Nissan Maxima was struck by a speeding Ford F-250 pickup truck allegedly driven by an off-duty, impaired law enforcement officer. The crash occurred just before 8:40 p.m. at the notoriously dangerous intersection of northbound Route 301 and Missouri Avenue, a junction many locals have called for to be re-engineered due to its high crash rate.
Herndon, who served nearly three decades with distinction on the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, had been enjoying his retirement with his family, mentoring youth in his neighborhood, and volunteering in church outreach programs. That calm, community-centered life ended abruptly in a moment of chaos fueled, according to investigators, by speed and potential alcohol impairment.
Initial Crash Scene and Investigation
According to preliminary findings released by the Maryland State Police, Herndon was driving eastbound on Missouri Avenue and attempting to cross Route 301 in his Maxima when his car entered the northbound lanes. At that exact moment, 34-year-old Anthony Coleman of Upper Marlboro was barreling northbound in a Ford F-250. The force of the collision crushed the driver’s side of Herndon’s vehicle. First responders arrived quickly, but Herndon was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash site was described by witnesses as “horrific,” with the impact so severe that debris was scattered across multiple lanes. A trauma team responded, and reconstruction investigators from the Forestville Barrack secured the scene, marking evidence, capturing drone footage, and analyzing the vehicle paths.
Who Was Anthony Coleman?
The alleged driver, Anthony Coleman, has since been placed on administrative leave, though authorities have yet to officially confirm his professional role beyond stating that he is affiliated with law enforcement. Sources familiar with the case have indicated Coleman was off-duty at the time of the incident and was returning from a private gathering when the crash occurred. The Maryland State Police have confirmed that alcohol and speed are suspected factors, and toxicology results are pending.
Coleman reportedly declined medical attention at the scene and was questioned on site. He was not immediately arrested, prompting frustration among some members of the community who fear that his professional connections might result in special treatment. “The system needs to work the same for everyone,” said civil rights attorney Jamal Rucker. “If a civilian had done what’s alleged here, there’s no question they’d already be behind bars.”
Herndon’s Legacy: From Badge to Brotherhood
Herndon’s death has sparked mourning across the region. Known by colleagues as “The Diplomat,” Herndon had an uncanny ability to de-escalate the most volatile situations during his tenure in the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. A veteran of some of the city’s most turbulent years, he retired with honors in 2021. Former Police Chief Andre Smith said of Herndon, “He was more than just a cop. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a voice of reason in times of chaos.”
His former beat included some of D.C.’s toughest neighborhoods, but Herndon was known to many locals not for his badge, but for his empathy. He regularly bought meals for unhoused residents, supported after-school programs, and advocated fiercely for police reform in retirement. His sudden and violent death — ironically at the hands of someone who may have worn the same uniform — has left the community reeling.
A Family Shattered
Herndon is survived by his wife, Sheila, and their two adult children, Marcus and Brianna. In a statement issued by the family’s spokesperson, they described Carlton as “our rock, our protector, our counselor, and our hero.”
Brianna, holding back tears at a candlelight vigil held two nights after the crash, said, “My father spent his entire life protecting others. He didn’t deserve to die in such a violent and senseless way. We want answers. We want accountability. And most of all, we want justice.”
Demand for Accountability
As the community mourns, calls for a transparent and rigorous investigation grow louder. Advocacy groups, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the NAACP’s Prince George’s County chapter, have demanded that the Maryland State Police and the State’s Attorney’s Office act swiftly.
“This is not just another accident,” said Rev. Linda Harper of the Maryland Coalition for Traffic Safety. “This is a case involving a public servant who may have broken the law, and a retired hero who paid with his life. That warrants the full weight of the justice system.”
The Legal Landscape Ahead
While no charges have yet been filed, sources close to the investigation say that criminal charges, including vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and reckless endangerment, are being weighed. The Maryland State Police Crash Team continues to collect evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses and eyewitness interviews. Reconstruction data from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR) — or “black box” — is expected to be critical in determining Coleman’s exact speed and braking behavior in the moments leading to the crash.
Complicating matters is the lack of immediate arrest. Prosecutors may be waiting for toxicology results to return, which could take several days to weeks. Legal analysts suggest that the optics of a delayed arrest, particularly involving someone in law enforcement, may inflame public outrage unless authorities remain transparent.
Public Safety and Route 301
Herndon’s death has also drawn attention to the dangers of Route 301, a multi-lane highway that has seen numerous fatalities over the years. The stretch between Clinton and Upper Marlboro has been described by traffic experts as “a death trap” during nighttime hours due to poor lighting, confusing lane merges, and high-speed traffic.
Local officials are now renewing calls for safety upgrades, including better signage, speed cameras, and more pedestrian-friendly crosswalks. County Councilwoman Renee Washington said, “We’ve waited too long to fix this corridor. Carlton’s death must be the last straw.”
A City Honors Its Fallen Son
Plans for Herndon’s memorial service are underway. The D.C. Police Union has offered to provide a full honors escort. A scholarship in Herndon’s name is also being established for aspiring youth in criminal justice programs at Prince George’s Community College.
Hundreds are expected to attend the memorial, including former and current officers, church members, and civic leaders. His daughter Brianna said the memorial will reflect “everything Dad stood for — faith, service, and dignity.”
Awaiting Justice
As days pass since the tragic crash, the pressure continues to mount for answers. With every vigil, every community meeting, and every candle lit in Herndon’s memory, the demand for justice grows stronger.
The Maryland State Police have pledged to complete a comprehensive investigation and to release all findings to the public. Whether those findings will result in criminal charges remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Herndon’s life mattered — and the community he served is determined that his death will not be forgotten.
Herndon’s name now joins the long and painful list of innocent victims lost to impaired driving. But unlike most cases, his involves an alleged offender who was sworn to uphold the very laws now under scrutiny. For the Herndon family and the broader public, this case is about more than a crash. It’s about justice, honor, and the power of accountability in the face of preventable tragedy.
If you have information about this incident, authorities continue to urge witnesses to come forward. You can reach the Maryland State Police Crash Team at 301-392-1231. Herndon’s family has also requested prayers, support, and that the public honor his life by pledging never to drink and drive.
This investigation remains active and evolving. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.