LA PLATA — On June 15, 2026, Maryland State Police along with deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a severe accident involving two minibikes on Maryland Route 224 near Wilson Landing Road.
Initial investigations reveal that a 2021 minibike, ridden by a 16-year-old male from Nanjemoy, was heading south when it crashed head-on into a 2018 minibike operated by James Thomas Claggett, age 19, also from Nanjemoy.
Trooper First Class A. Sabock, who is an Advanced Collision Investigator with the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack, was dispatched to take the lead on the investigation.
The young operator was urgently transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command helicopter Trooper 7 to Capital Region Hospital, where he is reported to be in serious condition. Claggett was also airlifted by helicopter Trooper 2 to MedStar Washington Hospital Center but, unfortunately, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
At the time of the collision, neither of the riders was wearing a helmet. Furthermore, both minibikes were found to be unregistered and did not have the required headlamps for adequate visibility and identification on the road.
According to Maryland law, operators of certain motorized vehicles on public roads are required to wear helmets. Additionally, registration and the appropriate lighting are mandatory for legal operation. Unregistered vehicles that lack essential safety features pose significant risks to both the operators and surrounding motorists.
The Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack is reaching out to the public for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact TFC Ashley Sabock at (301) 392-1200. The investigation is currently ongoing and will be forwarded to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office for potential charges.
Incidents involving unregistered or inadequately equipped vehicles on rural roads like Maryland Route 224 can lead to dire consequences. Local community members are advised to adhere to all vehicle registration, lighting, and safety equipment requirements when operating any motorized vehicles on public roadways.
Individuals with any information regarding this incident are urged to reach out to the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack.
