Chief's Blog - What's UP (University Park)?!

Community Members,

Running or rolling through a stop sign is a common practice that many if not most of us have done at some point while driving.  Sometimes we rationalize our behavior by saying to ourselves that no one was in the intersection, and it was all clear or there are too many stop signs in this neighborhood.   Maybe it’s the age-old reason why many run stop signs, I’m headed to work and running late.  Whatever your reason for running a stop sign please don’t.  Running a stop sign is a violation of Maryland traffic laws and punishable by a fine of $110.00.  The Town of University Park has 163 stop signs within its corporate limits and a stop sign is one of the most valuable and effective traffic control devices. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right of way and to make sure that traffic flows smoothly and predictably.  The University Park Police have compiled five reasons why you should always stop at a stop sign.  

1. It’s the law and you may receive a traffic citation. Stopping at stop signs in your neighborhood is a civic duty that promotes community safety and wellness.
2. You could cause a collision or hit a pedestrian causing serious injuries.  Community members actively walk, bike and jog in University Park and depend on you to stop at all stop signs.
3. Your behavior sets an example for our young drivers.    Children and young drivers who witness a parent run a stop sign often think it’s okay to do the same.
4. Failure to stop creates a sense of uncertainty.  When other drivers or walkers are unsure that you will stop at a stop sign it may affect their decision-making and result in a decision that could put them in harm’s way.  
5. When motorists stop at every stop sign collisions are 100% preventable.  In 2019, 143,000 people were injured due to the driver’s failure to obey a traffic control device.

Stopping at a stop sign is not only a neighborly gesture in keeping the Town’s roadways safe for all users but it’s also the law. The University Park Police would like to remind all drivers to come to a complete stop at all stop signs.

Thank you,

Chief Harvey R. Baker

Community Members, 

On May 17, 2023, an individual vandalized one house and broke into three houses in University Park and stole a resident’s vehicle to make his escape.  Due to the quick response of University Park Police Officers, Prince George’s County Police Officers and detectives two individuals were taken into custody inside the stolen vehicle.  Anthony Ernesto Rodriquez Quintero, an occupant of the stolen vehicle has been charged with the following:

• Burglary 2^nd Degree
• Theft: $1,500 to under $25,000
• Burglary 4^th Degree Theft
• Malicious Destruction of Property Value $1,000
• Mr. Quintero is currently being held at Prince George’s Department of Corrections on no bond.

The University Park Police appreciates the mutual aid assistance and efforts of the Prince George's County Police to close this case.  

Chief Harvey R. Baker