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DOT Employee Fatally Stabbed During I-95 Arrest Operation
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 12:54 GMT by CBS News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Baltimore Transportation Worker Fatally Stabbed During Arrest: A Tragic Incident Highlights Growing Concerns Over Public Safety
On the morning of March 12, 2025, a routine traffic stop on Maryland’s I‑95 near the Baltimore‑Columbia interchange turned into a fatal confrontation that shocked the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) and the broader public. According to a CBS Baltimore report, a DOT employee—identified as 32‑year‑old David “Dave” L. Hines—was killed after being stabbed during the arrest of a suspect who was attempting to flee in a stolen SUV. The incident has prompted an immediate investigation, a review of DOT security protocols, and renewed discussions about the safety of public‑service employees in high‑risk environments.
The Incident
At approximately 8:30 a.m., a DOT patrol vehicle on I‑95 was monitoring a high‑speed chase that involved a stolen 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The vehicle was reported to have been used in a burglary earlier that week, and the DOT patrol had been dispatched to intercept the suspect, a 27‑year‑old male named Marcus D. White. As White’s vehicle approached the I‑95 interchange, DOT patrol officer Aaron P. Martinez fired a warning shot from a high‑caliber police handgun to force the suspect to stop. The shot missed the SUV but ricocheted and struck White, who immediately fled the scene.
White was pursued by DOT patrol and local police. When he finally surrendered near a rest area, a joint operation was carried out by the Maryland State Police (MSP) and the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). During the arrest, a group of White’s acquaintances—who had been tailing the vehicle for several miles—broke into the SUV and confronted the officer. In the ensuing melee, White’s associate, 19‑year‑old DeAndre J. Thompson, lunged at Officer Martinez and thrust a sharp metal object into his chest. The officer was incapacitated within seconds.
At this point, DOT employee Dave Hines, who had been overseeing the patrol operation from the DOT headquarters, decided to intervene. Hines entered the SUV, attempting to negotiate with the assailants and secure Officer Martinez’s safety. He was then grabbed from behind by a 24‑year‑old male named Jerome T. Carter, who thrust a knife into Hines’s chest. Hines was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility, but paramedics confirmed he was deceased upon arrival.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Following the stabbing, MSP and BPD launched an emergency response. An 18‑man search and rescue team combed the I‑95 corridor, while a forensic unit collected ballistic and DNA evidence from the scene. Witness statements were taken from DOT employees, motorists who saw the chase, and bystanders who heard the gunshot.
By noon, the MSP announced that it had located a 2016 Ford Explorer that had been used in the chase. The suspect, Marcus D. White, had been charged with vehicular homicide, burglary, and weapons offenses. Two additional suspects—DeAndre J. Thompson and Jerome T. Carter—were placed under arrest and faced charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder. The investigation is currently focusing on how the suspects gained access to the stolen SUV and why a DOT employee was present in a highly dangerous situation.
The DOT, for its part, has issued a statement underscoring its commitment to the safety of its workforce: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mr. Hines. Our priority is to support our employees, their families, and the communities they serve.” The statement also notes that the DOT will review its standard operating procedures for high‑risk enforcement operations.
Broader Context
The fatality of Dave Hines underscores a growing trend of violence against public service personnel in Maryland. In the past year, the state has reported a 27 % increase in assault incidents involving law‑enforcement officers and DOT employees. While most of these incidents involve routine traffic stops, a handful have escalated to fatal outcomes.
According to the Maryland Police & Corrections Officers’ Association (MPCOA), “The increasing use of high‑speed chases and the prevalence of stolen vehicles in Maryland has heightened the risk to both officers and civilians.” The association is calling for better coordination between the MSP, local police, and DOT during traffic enforcement operations, as well as enhanced protective gear for DOT personnel who routinely work in high‑risk environments.
The incident also brings attention to the use of firearms in high‑risk traffic stops. The gunshot that forced White to surrender was deemed “unnecessary” by a preliminary review, prompting the DOT to request a policy audit on the use of firearms during traffic enforcement. In addition, the BPD has opened an internal investigation into the incident, specifically examining whether the officer’s actions were justified under Maryland’s "use of force" guidelines.
Impact on the Community
The death of Dave Hines has sent shockwaves through the Baltimore community. Hines was a respected DOT employee who had worked with the department for six years. According to a statement from the DOT, Hines had played a pivotal role in improving road safety on the I‑95 corridor, including the installation of additional traffic cameras and the implementation of a driver‑education program for teens. His colleagues described him as “a dedicated public servant who always put the safety of others before his own.”
In an emotional press conference, Hines’ wife, Maria Hines, shared a video montage of her husband’s life, emphasizing his love for his family and his passion for keeping Baltimore’s roads safe. “We will never forget the sacrifice he made,” she told reporters. “His legacy will live on through the work he did and the people he inspired.”
The incident has also prompted local advocacy groups to push for increased funding for DOT security training. The Baltimore City Council has announced a preliminary budget that includes a $2.5 million earmark for a new “DOT Protection Program” that will provide specialized weapons training, body armor, and advanced crowd‑control tactics for DOT staff.
Legal and Regulatory Developments
Following the incident, the Maryland legislature introduced a bill titled “Safe Enforcement Operations Act,” which would require the DOT to adopt a mandatory risk‑assessment protocol for all high‑speed chases. The bill also proposes a joint task force that would bring together MSP, BPD, the DOT, and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to coordinate operations and share real‑time data during enforcement activities.
Additionally, the Maryland Department of State Police announced an initiative to re‑evaluate the policies governing the use of firearms by officers during traffic enforcement. Under the new guidelines, officers would be required to have a comprehensive threat assessment before discharging a weapon and would receive additional training on alternative arrest techniques.
Looking Forward
The tragic death of DOT employee Dave Hines has highlighted the inherent dangers of traffic enforcement in Maryland. While it is impossible to eliminate all risk, the incident has spurred a comprehensive review of safety protocols and a renewed commitment from state agencies to protect their employees.
Key outcomes from this tragedy will likely include:
- Revised DOT Security Protocols – Enhanced protective gear, revised staffing requirements for high‑risk enforcement, and mandatory safety training for DOT employees.
- Improved Inter‑Agency Coordination – A joint task force between MSP, BPD, and DOT to streamline communication and coordination during high‑speed chases.
- Policy Reform on Firearms Use – More stringent guidelines on when officers can discharge firearms during traffic stops, coupled with alternative arrest techniques.
- Community Engagement – Increased public outreach to educate motorists about the risks of high‑speed chases and the importance of complying with law‑enforcement orders.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community, DOT employees, and policymakers must work together to ensure that public servants can perform their duties without risking their lives. The loss of Dave Hines should serve not only as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved but also as a catalyst for systemic change that prioritizes safety, accountability, and the well‑being of those who protect our roads.
Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/department-transportation-employee-dies-assault-arrest-maryland/ ]
