MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Berkeley County authorities said a motorist died Saturday night in Martinsburg after his vehicle was struck by a sheriff’s department cruiser responding to an emergency call.
Investigators said evidence shows the driver, Peter Christensen, 51, of Martinsburg, did not yield to the cruiser at the intersection of King Street and Illinois Ave. at around 7:20 p.m. The investigation confirmed the responding deputy had his cruiser’s siren and lights activated.
Christiansen, who was initially stopped at the intersection and then drove into it, died at the scene. A passenger, Christopher Dodrill, 48, of Ridgeley, was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he’s in critical but stable condition. The deputy was treated and released.
The deputy’s cruiser struck the driver’s side of Christensen’s vehicle.
Deputies were responding to an incident at the Riverbend RV Park in Falling Waters when the collision occurred.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department said:
“Sheriff (Rob) Blair and the members of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department are praying for the family of Mr. Christensen and Mr. Dodrill that were involved in this incident along with our deputy”.
Investigators will continue to review video evidence and interview witnesses.