WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 12, 2025
Family, friends, and former colleagues gathered Friday to honor the life of Carlton Herndon, a retired D.C. police detective who was tragically killed earlier this week in a crash involving an off-duty, allegedly intoxicated Prince George’s County police officer.
The fatal collision occurred on Monday evening on northbound Route 301 in Brandywine, Maryland, near the intersection of Missouri Avenue. Herndon, 56, was driving his Nissan Maxima when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Anthony Coleman, 34, an officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Herndon died at the scene.
According to the Maryland State Police, both alcohol and speed appeared to be contributing factors in the crash.
Remembering a Devoted Officer and Family Man
On Friday, a somber memorial was held outside the Sixth District police station in Northeast D.C., where Herndon had served before his retirement. Surrounded by loved ones, mourners painted a portrait of a man deeply committed to both his community and his family.
Among those who spoke was Herndon’s mother, Iris Toyer, who recalled the grief shared by many of her son’s friends and fellow officers.
“His friends, the men, are calling me with tears. I can tell their hearts are breaking. I can hear it in their voice,” she said.
The family brought with them a haunting reminder of the crash — the trunk lid from Herndon’s black car, one of the few remnants recovered from the wreckage.
A Beloved Leader in the D.C. Community
Retired Sixth District Commander Durriyyah Habeebullah spoke passionately about Herndon’s legacy in the force and beyond.
“He loved being a police officer. He loved being a detective. He was a great man,” she said. “It’s so ironic that he was killed by an off-duty police officer… Carlton has left a void in this community — the people miss him.”
Herndon’s wife and son stood with roughly two dozen others to pay tribute, describing him as a devoted father, son, husband, and public servant.
The Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say Coleman, who was off duty at the time of the crash, has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident remains under investigation. The Prince George’s County Police Department has not yet announced whether charges will be filed.
Toyer expressed outrage and disbelief that an officer sworn to uphold the law would engage in such reckless behavior.
“We believe that the other driver, a sworn police officer of the Prince George’s County Police Department, had not only been drinking but was traveling at a high rate of speed such that Carlton was killed upon impact,” she said.
Seeking Accountability and Justice
The Herndon family and supporters are now demanding a thorough investigation and justice for a man who dedicated his life to protecting others. As they mourn a life cut short, they also hope Herndon’s tragic death will shine a light on the importance of accountability in law enforcement—especially when officers are involved in deadly incidents.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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