Silver Spring, Md. – A tragic traffic accident claimed the life of an elderly resident of Rockville on Saturday. Charles S. Lazar, 83, was struck by a pickup truck while walking toward his parked vehicle in the parking lot of a Rockville gas station on Friday morning.

Details of the collision

According to the Montgomery County Police Department, Lazar was making his way from the fuel pump area to his car when a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado began to pull away. The truck’s rear wheels struck Lazar, causing severe injuries that required immediate transport to a nearby hospital.

Police reports indicate that the driver of the Silverado remained at the scene and did not exhibit any signs of impairment. Officers are currently reviewing dash‑camera footage and conducting witness interviews to reconstruct the events leading up to the impact.

Investigation ongoing

Montgomery County officials have opened a preliminary investigation into the crash. While no charges have been filed at this time, detectives are examining whether the driver followed proper parking‑lot safety protocols, such as checking blind spots and yielding to pedestrians.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information or video of the incident to contact the police department.

Community response

The Rockville community expressed sorrow for Lazar’s family, with several local churches offering prayers and support. The incident has sparked renewed conversation about pedestrian safety in busy commercial areas, especially for seniors who may be more vulnerable to vehicle traffic.

Local officials, including Rockville City Councilmember Jane Doe, emphasized the importance of continued public‑education campaigns on safe driving practices in parking lots. “We must all be vigilant, especially in areas where pedestrians and vehicles intersect,” Doe said.

Safety reminders

Police departments across Maryland routinely advise drivers to:

• Check mirrors and blind spots before moving a vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians at all times, even in parking lots.
• Drive at reduced speeds in congested areas.

Pedestrians are encouraged to stay aware of surrounding traffic, use designated walkways when available, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Final outcome

Charles S. Lazar’s condition deteriorated overnight, and he passed away on Saturday. His family has been notified, and funeral arrangements are pending. The Montgomery County Police Department will release a final report once the investigation concludes.

Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.