The driver who killed eight spectators at an illegal drag race three months ago in Prince George’s County was arrested last week by Maryland State Police for allegedly driving a stolen car.
According to police, Darren Jamar Bullock, 20, was pulled over by Trooper William Jenkins, who, using a scanning device that runs license plates through a police database, determined the white GMC Safari he was driving had been reported stolen.
“If there’s any type of violation with the tag, then [the device is] going to give us an indication,” said Sgt. Danny Mabry of the state police barracks at La Plata.
The drag racing incident, unrelated to Bullock’s recent arrest, occurred about 3 a.m. Feb. 17. The Waldorf native, in a Ford Crown Victoria, struck 14 people the crowd of approximately 200 who had gathered to watch a street race at the intersection of Indian Head Highway and Pine Drive in Accokeek. Bullock, who was headed north on Indian Head, was not involved in the race, and he has yet to be charged in connection with the crash.
The approximately 200 people at the race spilled into the road after assembling, according to those with knowledge of the event. Several bystanders said Bullock did not have his lights on and did not see the victims. Days after the event, more than 20 memorials appeared at the site, which is on a rural stretch near the Prince George’s-Charles County line.
A grand jury has been convened to review the incident and determine who should be charged and with what crime. Under Maryland law, those who gathered in the crowd for the illegal race could be charged just as easily as the driver of the car that struck the bystanders, defense attorneys have said.
County Executive Jack Johnson has announced plans to add video cameras to at least 10 areas identified as racing hot spots, including Indian Head Highway, among other locations.
