Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Causing Fatal Chain-Reaction Crash In Hagerstown: State PD

Ray Pittman, 62, was arrested on Thursday night after setting off a chain-reaction crash that resulted in the death of 27-year-old Hagerstown resident Morgan Suter.

Investigators say that shortly after 5 p.m. on Oct. 3, Pittman was driving his tractor-trailer in the westbound lanes of I-70 near Beaver Creek Road when he failed to slow down in heavy traffic and struck the back of Suter's Ford.

The Ford then struck the back of a Buick, which then ping-ponged into a Mercedes and Honda on the interstate.

Suter was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Buick, West Virginia resident Cheri Craigo, 55, and Honda, Connie Monte, 61, of Hagerstown, were both taken by paramedics to Meritus Medical Center for treatment of undisclosed injuries.

The truck driver from Milledgeville, Georgia was charged with:

• Two counts of vehicular manslaughter;
• Homicide by motor vehicle;
• Two counts of driving while impaired.

He is being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.

The crash led to lane closures on I-70 for several hours during the investigation.

Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.

to follow Daily Voice Hagerstown and receive free news updates.