Off-Duty Prince George's Officer Admits Guilt in Fatal Route 301 Crash

Anthony Coleman will stand before a judge on Feb. 5 to determine his penalty for killing a court bailiff in a July 2025 car crash. The 35-year-old off-duty Prince George's County police officer entered a guilty plea to criminally negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle. State's Attorney Tara H. Jackson confirmed the plea in an announcement this week.

Maryland State Police investigators established that Coleman was driving his personal Ford F-250 northbound on Route 301 when the collision occurred. They found he was speeding and under the influence of alcohol while off duty. The truck struck a Nissan Maxima driven by Carlton Herndon, a 56-year-old bailiff with the Prince George's County District Court.

Herndon, who resided in Clinton, was attempting to cross Route 301 at the time of the impact. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Herndon had also served as a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department before retiring.

Following the wreck, Coleman refused medical treatment at the scene. The Prince George's County Police Department placed him on administrative leave with pay. He has remained on that status while the criminal case proceeded.

Coleman is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5. The plea resolves the criminal charges brought by the county's state's attorney office.