Hughesville woman, 21, dies in multi-vehicle crash Thursday

Police believe speed, alcohol were a factor in La Plata accident

A three-vehicle collision claimed a 21-yearold Hughesville woman’s life in La Plata early Thursday.

On Dec. 7 at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, Maryland State Police and Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection between Route 6 and Bel Alton Newtown Road for a report of an accident.

The deceased woman is identified as Taylor Anne Halbleib, according to a Maryland State Police release. She was transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. Halbleib was driving a blue 2013 Hyundai Elantra.

The driver of the vehicle that was struck by the Hyundai is identified

as Brittany Camille Coggins, 24, of La Plata. She was the sole occupant, driving a sliver Honda Odyssey van. Coggins was not injured in the collision, according to MSP.

The vehicle police said was at fault in the collision was driven by Daniel Juwan Butler, 22, of Newburg. Butler was driving a black 2004 Ford F-150. He was injured in the crash and transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.

A passenger in Butler’s vehicle, Logan Alexander Shifflett, 21, of Waldorf was flown by state police medevac to UM Prince George’s Hospital Center where he is undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

According to MSP, the preliminary investigation indicates that Butler was driving eastbound on Route 6, west of Cooksey Road, when the crash occurred. Butler, for unknown reasons, failed to stop, striking the blue Hyundai in the rear. The blue Hyundai was then pushed into the silver Honda. Speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in this collision.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team responded and will be conducting a detailed crash reconstruction. Upon completion, the investigation will be forwarded to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office for review regarding charges.

MDOT State Highway Administration personnel were on the scene and assisted with lane closures and detours around the scene. Lanes were reopened by 7:45 a.m.

Investigators are collecting evidence and seeking anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Witnesses are urged to call the Maryland State Police Crash Team at 301-392-1231. The investigation is continuing as of press time Thursday.