JURY DOES NOT INDICT DRIVER WHO KILLED MARYLAND OFFICER

A Howard grand jury decided Wednesday not to indict the driver who struck and killed Cpl. Scott Wheeler, a decision that prompted Howard police to charge the driver with traffic citations, according to county police.

Wheeler, 31, was attempting to flag over speeders in June 2007 on Route 32 near Route 1 when he was struck by a Nissan Sentra driven by a 24-year-old Columbia woman, who has not been identified. Wheeler died from his injuries.

Police had worked with the county State's Attorney's Office to determine charges, but the grand jury chose not to indict the driver on a manslaughter by automobile charge.

But police Wednesday said they are issuing the woman negligent driving and speeding citations, each of which carries a fine of up to $500. Chief William McMahon is hosting a conference at 2 this afternoon at police headquarters to discuss details of the case. McMahon also plans to identify the woman, according to a news release. Police declined comment.

A portion of Route 32 in Savage was dedicated in honor of Wheeler in October, and the road leading up to the public safety training center in Marriottsville was named Scott Wheeler Drive. In addition, the 16th annual Howard County Police Pace, a 5K race and one-mile walk, was dedicated to Wheeler in September. The event raised almost $28,000 for the Police Foundation, which donates proceeds to children and families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty.

Wheeler, an avid Oakland Raiders' fan, had worked on the force for nearly seven years and was selected as Howard County Police’s Officer of the Month in April 2005.