Driver sought by authorities after accident

December 04, 2000

Driver sought by authorities after accident

MAUGANSVILLE - A driver who fled after causing a van to drive into the median and overturn on Interstate 81 Saturday was still being sought Sunday evening, Maryland State Police said.

Trooper 1st Class Scott Bare said Zamani Shirshah of Springfield, Va., was driving a Plymouth Voyager van north on I81 near Maugan's Avenue when it was hit by a 1983 gray Chevrolet van.

Witnesses told police the Chevrolet had been passing vehicles recklessly prior to the 3:45 p.m. accident.

The impact forced Shirshah's vehicle into the median strip where it overturned and rested on its roof.

Shirshah and his two sons, ages 7 and 9, received minor injuries and were taken to Washington County Hospital, police said.

Shirshah was treated and released, a hospital spokeswoman said. Bare said he didn't know the names of the juveniles Sunday evening. Washington County Hospital doesn't release condition reports on patients if their names are unknown.

After investigating the accident, Bare said he concluded that the Chevrolet lost control on the right shoulder while passing and crossed over the northbound lanes, striking the Shirshah's vehicle in the right front.

The Chevrolet also drove into the median but was able to drive back on to the highway. The driver took off without stopping and was pursued by other motorists, police said.

Bare said he appreciated the several motorists that stopped to provide accounts of the accident.

Police were able to trace the Chevrolet to a local owner but did not name the driver. The vehicle was found abandoned on Pennsylvania Avenue north of Hagerstown.

Police are continuing their investigation and anyone with information may call the Hagerstown barrack at 301-739-2101.

- Kimberly Yakowski

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