LA PLATA, MD — A serious collision involving two minibikes occurred on Maryland Route 224 near Wilson Landing Road on June 15, 2026, around 2:41 p.m.
Preliminary investigations show that a 2021 minibike operated by a 16-year-old male from Nanjemoy was headed southbound when it collided head-on with a 2018 minibike ridden by 19-year-old James Thomas Claggett, also from Nanjemoy.
Maryland State Police Trooper First Class A. Sabock is leading the ongoing investigation.
The 16-year-old was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command helicopter Trooper 7 to Capital Region Hospital in serious condition. Claggett was flown by helicopter Trooper 2 to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Witnesses reported that neither operator was wearing a helmet. Both minibikes were unregistered and lacked appropriate headlamps for visibility, as mandated by Maryland law.
The Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack urges anyone who witnessed the crash to call TFC Ashley Sabock at (301) 392-1200. The case will be forwarded to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office for potential charges.
Local residents are reminded of the importance of adhering to vehicle registration and safety requirements when operating motorized vehicles on public roadways.
Further details will be released as the investigation continues.