USCP Officer Charged in 2020 On-Duty Crash

Today an indictment against a United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer was unsealed.

USCP Officer Thomas Smith was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury for charges related to a 2020 on-duty crash.

According to the indictment, around 11:30 pm on June 20, 2020, Officer Smith was pursuing two motorcycles at a high rate of speed when Smith's cruiser collided with one of the motorcycles near Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, NW.

The indictment also says Officer Smith left the scene, changed vehicles, and then lied about his involvement in the crash.

USCP policies and procedures prohibit police vehicle pursuits outside the Capitol Grounds, except in emergencies and approved by a supervisor.

Immediately after the 2020 crash, the Department revoked Officer Smith's police powers and suspended him without pay pending the outcome of the case. DC's Metropolitan Police Department simultaneously launched a criminal investigation because the crash happened in MPD's jurisdiction.

"The public's trust is critical for any law enforcement agency and integrity is the most important quality for any law enforcement officer," said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger.

Smith is still suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case and the administrative investigation by the USCP's Office of Professional Responsibility.

The criminal charges include one count of 18 U.S.C. §242 - Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, one count of 18 U.S.C. §1512 - Obstruction of Justice, three counts of 18 U.S.C. §1519 - Falsification of Records, and one count of 18 U.S.C. §1001 - False Statements.

DC's Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI's Washington Field Office investigated the crash with the assistance of the USCP.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case.