Leonardtown, MD – On May 25, 2020, at approximately 3:15 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 22000 block of Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown, for the reported motor vehicle collision. Deputies arrived on scene and located two vehicles involved in the collision. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation.
Preliminary investigation determined a 2015 Mazda 3 operated by Corey Michael Brooks, age 32 of Clements, was traveling south on Newtowne Neck Road in the area of Rosebank Court, when for unknown reasons the vehicle crossed the centerline into the opposite travel lane. The Mazda 3 collided with a 2014 Ford Focus operated by Jonathan Eric Payer, age 51 of Leonardtown. Brooks was transported to an area trauma center via helicopter with incapacitating injuries. Payer was assessed on scene by emergency medical personnel and not transported for treatment.
At this time, the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision that has not provided a statement to law enforcement is asked to contact Deputy First Class Shawn Shelko at (301) 475-4200 extension 78147 or by email at Shawn.Shelko@stmarysmd.com.
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.