As some Super Bowl fans were on the offense, many Maryland State Police troopers across the state and the S.P.I.D.R.E DUI team were on the defense this past weekend making more than 50 DUI arrests. One of them was one of their own.

Just before 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 6, troopers from the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack were dispatched to a single vehicle crash near the intersection of Hudson Corner Road and Landon Store Road, in Marion. Troopers found a pickup that reportedly drove off the road into a field.

The driver of the vehicle was found to be an off-duty state trooper, identified as Trooper First Class John J. Dize Jr., assigned to the Princess Anne Barrack. Trooper First Class Dize sustained injuries and was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Due to the possibility of alcohol being a contributing circumstance to the cause of the crash, an immediate investigation was conducted.

Dize was subsequently charged with failing to obey designated lane directions and driving under the influence. He was immediately suspended with pay. The extent of his injuries was not disclosed.

The State Police conducted traffic enforcement initiatives throughout the state during this Super Bowl weekend and troopers made numerous traffic stops focused on impaired or distracted drivers, aggressive and speeding motorists, as well as those who were not properly belted in the vehicle.

During the three day enforcement initiative more than 4,700 vehicles were stopped by troopers across the state. Preliminary statistics revealed more than 2,900 traffic citations were issued along with more than 2,900 warnings.  In all 51 motorists were arrested for drunk driving.