Deputy Was Traveling 110 MPH Just Before Collision That Killed Teen

A Calvert sheriff's deputy was traveling at 110 mph shortly before crashing into the car of a teenager who was killed in the collision, according to an independent investigation released Thursday -- a speed that the county's top prosecutor said was "unreasonable."

On July 24, Deputy C. Wayne Wells, 34, was northbound on Route 4, responding to an emergency domestic violence call with his lights and sirens on, as he approached the intersection of Apple Way in Dunkirk, said the report by Cpl. C. Gregory Russell of the Anne Arundel County Police Department's traffic safety division. The posted speed limit in that area is 45 mph.

Rachael Alexandra Campbell, 18, of Dunkirk was attempting to make a left-hand turn from Route 4 south across both northbound lanes in her 1997 Buick Le Sabre when Well's 2006 Ford Crown Victoria cruiser struck her car about 10:45 a.m.

The report said Wells's vehicle had slowed to between 83 and 87 mph at the time of impact. Campbell's speed was estimated at 21 mph.

Campbell's car caught fire, and she died at the scene.

"Given all of the facts and circumstances, the deputy's speed was unreasonable," said Laura L. Martin (R), Calvert state's attorney. However, she said, "it does not reach the level of gross negligence necessary for manslaughter charges. Any citations that have to be issued would have to come from the sheriff's office, and the sheriff was so informed."

Interviewed before the report's release, Calvert Sheriff Mike Evans said his department is still in the review process, but added, "We know we are going to make some changes in our policies."

Martin said she has determined that Campbell "was not at fault." Investigators estimated that Campbell had only about a half-second to see the cruiser from a distance of 700 feet before she made her decision to turn.

Michael L. Campbell, the victim's father, declined to comment. Keith Franz, who represents the Campbell family, said: "We think the conduct of the [sheriff's deputy] was outrageous under the circumstances. It is an undulating road through a town. How anybody can think going 110 miles an hour is reasonable is beyond us."

Wells was pinned in his vehicle for 45 minutes before rescuers removed him. He suffered a broken bone in his neck, among other injuries.