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WHEATON, Md. (WUSA) -- The Montgomery County Police Department is in mourning after an Easter Sunday crash claimed the life of one of its own.
Police Officer 3 Hector Ayala, 31-years-old, was responding to a call was killed early Sunday after his cruiser left Randolph Road and struck a tree.
Capt. Paul Starks said, "It's not just the bad guys that can get us, but if we are involved in collisions that's a potential dangerous situation. It's hard for us and for our organization and the fourth district midnight shift. Our hearts go out to his family."
Officer Ayala, a husband and father of a 1-year-old boy, died at Holy Cross Hospital. He was a seven-year veteran.
The reason that the vehicle left the road is still being investigated, Capt. Starks said.
Police said the officer was traveling westbound in the 3000 block of Randolph approaching Denley Road at about 2:30 a.m. when the accident occurred. He was responding to a call of a large fight. Other officers who were headed to the fight saw the accident and stopped to assist him and called fire and rescue personnel.
Anyone who has information about the accident is asked to call 301.840.2435.
Updated by Surae Chinn and George VanDaniker
