Laurel, MD – According to FOX Baltimore, Maryland State Police have charged a 32-year-old Baltimore City man following a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 in Howard County that claimed the lives of two people. The incident occurred early on January 4, 2026, when the suspect, identified as Michael Coupet, allegedly drove his vehicle southbound in the northbound lanes of I-95 near Laurel, leading to a head-on collision with another car.
Police responded to the scene around 2:15 a.m. after receiving reports of a multi-vehicle accident. Upon arrival, troopers found the wreckage blocking multiple lanes, with emergency responders working to extricate occupants from the vehicles involved. The driver and front passenger of the oncoming vehicle, a Chrysler sedan carrying four people, were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were later identified as a 28-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman from nearby Montgomery County. Two backseat passengers, including a 16-year-old minor, sustained serious injuries and were transported by helicopter to a Baltimore-area trauma center, where they remained in stable condition as of the latest update.
Investigators determined that Coupet’s vehicle, a Ford pickup truck, had been traveling the wrong way for approximately two miles before the collision. Witnesses reported seeing the truck weaving erratically prior to the crash. A preliminary investigation revealed signs of impairment, with alcohol believed to be a contributing factor. Coupet, who suffered minor injuries, was treated at the scene and then taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular manslaughter while under the influence, driving under the influence, and reckless endangerment.
Maryland State Police commended the quick actions of first responders, noting that the crash caused significant traffic disruptions on I-95 for several hours during the morning rush. The highway was fully reopened by 10 a.m. Authorities emphasized the dangers of impaired driving, especially on busy interstates like I-95, which sees heavy commuter traffic between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
In a press conference held later that day, Howard County Police Chief William Davis highlighted the tragic loss of life and urged drivers to plan for safe transportation during holiday periods. “This incident serves as a stark reminder that one poor decision can have devastating consequences for multiple families,” Davis stated. The investigation remains ongoing, with toxicology results pending to further substantiate the impairment charges against Coupet.
The crash site, located near the Maryland Route 200 interchange, is a known high-traffic area prone to accidents due to its proximity to major urban centers. According to state transportation data cited in the report, wrong-way driving incidents on I-95 have increased by 15% over the past year, prompting calls for enhanced signage and technology such as wrong-way detection systems.
Family members of the victims expressed grief in statements to local media, describing the deceased as loving parents and community members. A GoFundMe campaign was quickly established to support the surviving passengers’ medical expenses and funeral costs, raising over $10,000 within hours.
As Coupet awaits arraignment in Howard County District Court, law enforcement officials continue to review dashcam and surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the collision. This case underscores ongoing efforts in Maryland to combat impaired driving through stricter penalties and public awareness campaigns.
For more information, visit FOX Baltimore.