WTOP filed the initial reports on this case, the following is an update:
A cyclist was killed while riding on the shoulder of Ridge Road in Gaithersburg last month. His lawyer, Barry Helfand, told the Gazette newspaper that his client, 34 year old Quinzy Fraser, was the man behind the wheel of the Chevy Tahoe that struck and killed 48 year old Stanton Miller.
So why are there no charges in the case?
Montgomery County police say the case is still under investigation, and they are waiting for toxicology reports. Initially, police say they detected an odor of alcohol when they interviewed Fraser at the scene of the crash. Fraser was charged with assault and resisting arrest when police attempted to get a blood alcohol level from him—those charges have been dropped. But police say once the investigation is complete, additional charges could be brought.
Fraser has a prior conviction of driving under the influence from 2004.
Miller was a popular and experienced cyclist. His death has fueled a debate on local blogs like this one about drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter laws in the state—groups including AAA Potomac have been trying to toughen those laws for years—and about how cars and bikes operate on local roadways.
Kate, thank you so much for following this case. It has had a big impact on many people and offers a good example of how the justice system responds to a suspected drunk driving case involving a fatality. Keep up the great work!
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