Cyclist hit, killed by apparent drunk driver in Germantown

48 year old Stanton Sylvester Miller Jr was traveling north on the shoulder of Ridge Road at 7pm on Friday evening when he was hit from behind by a Chevy Tahoe driven by Quinzy Reginald Fraser, 34 of Clarskburg. Miller was struck at high speed and landed 40-50 feet away against a fence. He was taken to Suburban Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The driver remained on the scene and provided information to police. The police smelled alcohol on Fraser's breath and when asked he refused to take a breathalizer test. When doctors tried to take a blood sample, he assaulted the officer and resisted arrest.

The driver has a previous DUI on his record.

In addition to pending charges on killing the bicyclist and another possible DUI, Quinzy Reginald Fraser is being held on $200,000 bond charged with resisting arrest and attempted assault on a police officer.

He provided a blood sample for analysis. The results have not been released.

Anyone who may have information about this collision is asked to contact detectives at 301-840-2435.

About Stan Miller

Dorian Janney says, "I can't believe he's not coming home. It hasn't sunk in. I've gone to his room, touched his things, I'm feeling sad...sad for those left behind. We're going to miss him."

Miller rented the basement from Janney's home. She was more than his landlord. They treated each other like family.

The avid biker, who just celebrated a birthday last week, would sometimes spend weeks at a time in Central America.

Comments

[mike]

i know stan well. i cant believe it. i cant believe this. fucking piece of shit montgomery county police dont do ANYTHING proactive to safeguard cyclists...this "accident" could have happened regardless...but the stupidity and arrogance of law enforcement regarding bicyclists just make tragedies like this worse...

Stan was a well known randonneur. He had ridden MANY miles...had worked in a bike shop...had extensivce bike knowledge...etc etc...and he was fun.

i won't sleep tonite...

[ontarioroader]

Pretty unfair to blame this on Montgomery County Police - the court system in MoCo is unbelievably lenient on first and second time DUI offenders. I've pulled collision causing DUI crash 'victims' out of cars - they sometimes show up in court still bandaged weeks later and are let off with simply probation. Many wealthy and politically connected people get snagged in DUI arrests and the result is the fines and sentences for this crime will always remain low.

[Mark]

I knew Stan and worked with him at a local bicycle shop. He was an exceptionally experienced rider and mechanic and loved to ride more than anyone I knew. Stan had many friends and was an instant friend to many he met. He was always quick to make a joke. He loved to stop and help other riders when they were in need of mechanical assistance. Stan volunteered for WABA at bike swaps, offering his mechanical assistance in order to get more people on bikes.

Stan was a Randonneur... I'm not sure I knew what that was before I met Stan, but he quickly schooled me on the finer, and funnier, aspects of long distance riding. Stan was an adventurer in the true sense and always had a good story to tell as a result.

Many folks in this area had ridden with Stan. I am sure that many people riding on this Sunday are doing so with Stan in their hearts and minds.

[7]

I also knew Stan. He was a great guy and we will all miss him. What a tragedy.

[Dorian Janney]

Stan was my dear friend, and there is no way I can even begin to tell you how special he was and how much he did for others. I really want to find out how to make a ghost bike and keep it where he was killed, as well as work to get better and safer bike lans and do anything to keep a senseless tragedy like this from occurring again. Not being a bike rider myself, I am unsure how to go about these things. Can anyone provide me with ideas for how to get a ghost bike?

Thank you,

Dorian Janney
[email protected]

[Glenn Martin]

Stan worked at the All American Bicycle Shop
in Damascus several years ago, and rode with their club. He also did the Wednesday night rides from Rileys Lock about 10 years ago.

[mike]

Montgomery County Police and their arrogance and stupidity regarding proactive action on behalf of bicyclists is legend! And it is a PROXIMATE CAUSAL factor in EVERY DAMN DEATH or "accident" of a bicyclist in this county.

This doesn't BLAME THEM, as if they are the singular determinative variable in a linear explanatory chain that leads to bicyclists death. I didnt say that. Nor did I intimate that.

It does mean that, given Police Chief Manger's stupidity and utter cowardice on advancing an agenda for safer bicycling (beyond the usual empty platitudes), and his knee-jerk defense of car drivers in EVERY case I know of, this does mean that I think a civil case could be made against Montgomery County in the vast majority of bicyclist incidents.

Remember: it's a fact that Mont. Co. Police have not ever issued a ticket -- ever! -- to a motorist for endangering a bicyclist UNLESS the bicyclist is hit.

This is bullshit. And THIS is what's unfair!

[Stephen Szibler]

Dorian asks what we can do about getting better and safer bike lanes and other ways to help prevent this type of tragedy. As I was reading the July issue of "AAA World" last night, I noticed President and Chief Executive Officer Don Gagnon's Editorial titled, "Use the Highway Trust Fund to Pay Only for Highways".

In his editorial he says, ". . . flexibility means using gas taxes not just for highways, but for "nonmotorized" transportation - including sidewalks and hiking and bike trails - as well as for transit and even completely unrelated projects such as museums." President Gagnon then goes on to blame the "increasingly deteriorating highway system" on this flexibility, and further goes on to demand that no portion of the gas tax be used to fund these projects.

In light of senseless tragedies like this, as well as environmental disaster,
I suggest that we continue to be proactive, putting folks like this on notice that NOW, is the time to increase how gasoline taxes may be spent on projects such as bike trails and lanes. Never should another major bridge be built in Maryland without consideration for ALL vehicles, as well as pedestrians.

I am very angry about Stan's death, and I recognize we will all cope with the finality of what has occurred in many different ways. I hope this can be one avenue to make his love of cycling continue to matter.

[washcycle]

Steve, you should quit AAA and join Better World Club.

http://www.betterworldclub.com/home.cfm?join_code=WABA

[EVLjr]

Pray for everybody involved. I'm sure what happened was completely an accident. Two good men lost their life. Yes I knew both the rider and driver. And now they both are gone with families left behind. Yes Quincy survived the accident but the court system will punish him with a pointless punishment of long jail time i'm sure. What does anybody gain from this? Leaving his children without a father, that was there every night for his kids. I don't know what the answer is or the correct punishment for the person at fault. But i know a lot of peoples lives changed this day. I can't even imagine what both their families are going threw. What a tragedy for everybody. R.I.P. Stan and I pray for Quincy his children and both families!

[CRT]

I too pray for both families.I didn't know Stan, but hope that he was a faithful man and finds peace in his death. I know the Frasers. I am sick for the children and his wonderful wife. They are great family, whose lives have now been forever changed. Let's not jump the gun just yet--we have all had those careless moments behind the wheel. I know that Quinzy will take responsibility for this accident. My heart bleeds for them. Might I ask that prayers be said for everyone involved.

[Angry Wife of a Cyclist]

When MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) first started their campaign against drunk driving, one of the greatest obstacles they had to overcome was people wanting to let off people for those "careless moments" of driving drunk because they too had driven drunk. The drunk driver should have thought about the effect on his own family before sitting behind the wheel. He is responsible, nobody else. He should go to jail. At the very least his license should be yanked permanently. He can ride his bike to work.

[Mike Mc]

@EVLjr..."completly an accident" is possibly the most ignorant part of your post, but then you go on to state some nonsense about, "pointless punishment of long jail time" and further state that "I don't know what the answer is or the correct punishment." HOW IS PUNISHMENT POINTLESS FOR KILLING ANOTHER HUMAN BEING!!!...WHILE DRUNK AND OPERATING A VEHICLE??? Criminal acts should be treated as criminal acts, with harsh punishments. Spend some time out there on a bicycle and then try to defend dangerous drivers.

[EVLjr]

@Mike I am no way shape or form trying to mitigate this or make an excuse for anybody. I think this is an tragedy for both sides. As far as spending time on the road i have had my CDL for over 15 years now and i ride my bike almost everyday. I seriously doubt you have more miles than me on the road. I have seen both dangerous drivers and riders. And personally lost good friends on the road. So i really don't see your point. It just seems to me that you are looking for revenge. You have to realize that it won't bring Stan back. As far as me disgusting you, i really couldn't care less about it.

[Wayne Phyillaier]

EVLjr:

Sorry, but I'm with Mike on this one. You are ignoring a major reason why we prosecute people who kill because they committed a criminal act (in this case, allegedly DWI): deterrence.

Yes, jailing someone for killing while DWI will not bring that person back to life. But it will make others think twice before they make the decision to drive while drunk.

You are basically arguing for a "free pass" for DWI.

[EVLjr]

@Wayne nowhere in any of my posts have i said or believe this should go unpunished and NEVER will ask or argue for a free pass for DWI violators. I really don't get where you or Mike think that i am ignoring any part of this serious tragedy. I stated that "i don't know what the answer is or the correct punishment". You both should reread my posts.

[Washcycle]

MikeMc & EVLjr, I've edited your comments to remove the personal attacks. I know that this is an emotionally charged subject, but we should try to avoid treating each other rudely. You can disagree without being disagreeable.

[JeffB]

@Dorian re: Ghost Bike.
Contact WABA.

[Washcycle]

EVLjr, I think when you referred to the punishment as "pointless" you implied that it shouldn't be done. There are many reasons for punishing a drunk driver - including deterrence, protection of society (from what appears to be a repeat offender), rehabilitation and punishment for it's own sake.

I too feel sorry for Quincy's family and for Quincy. But I'm cognizant that - if the accusations are correct - Quincy is solely to blame for everyone's suffering.

[Marty]

My brother put up a FB page to hear your stories and memories of Stan. Visit and join if you have something positive to add to make us all smile if just for a minute.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128779450493919

[mike]

If the Montgomer County COURTS are lenient on DUI, I would expect the Police Department to register their professional concern with such a practice...oh, but I forgot: the only issue Police Chief Manger takes a strong stand on is neutrality. He hasn't said A WORD regarding the DUI issue vis-a-vis the Courts..

The driver of the vehicle is the material cause of Stan's death. Duh.

But there are other causes at work as well. Do we have moral and practical imagination to recognize those other causes (primarily social structure/transporttion structure and transportation regulation)?

[Karyn]

This is an unbelievable tragedy. Stan adopted my dog Holly a couple of years ago and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He will surely be missed.

[sarah]

Umm... it's the courts not the cops.

[Sherri]

I only met Stan briefly; but in that short time, I found him to be one of the most compassionate, caring, understanding people I had ever known. No one deserves to die like Stan did. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him. I just wish I had been able to get know him better.

[DONALD BOOTHBY, SEATTLE, WA]

@EVLjr & CRT: While we can "love the sinner and hate the sin" so to speak, this man is a repeat offender. He obviously didn't learn his lesson the first time he got a DUI and now you ask us to accept that "they are a wonderful family" who has been wrecked by this "tragedy." Sorry, I simply do not see it that way. I've spent several year working within the court and treatment center system helping people who were arrested for DUI turn their lives around. A one time offender? Perhaps some education and a year in jail with part of that sentence reduced is in order. But a second offense? We are talking about someone with a severe drinking problem. Once the booze is in them, the judgment goes out the window. In this case, his poor judgment, along with his refusal to take responsibility for his PAST actions by seeing to it that he NEVER GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL AFTER CONSUMING ALCOHOL, means that serious, meaninful punishment is in order. My old boss Dell Craig taught me when I was an intern that sometimes JAIL is the only place where individuals can get the struture and the time they need to make meaningful change in their life. I am not a praying man, really. My heart really goes out to Stan. I never had the joy of meeting him, but enjoyed immensely seeing a photograph of him in our national Randonneuring magazine a month or so ago, and was really touched by a lot of the comments I've read about him as a man, as a cyclist and as a friend. He exemplified the standards that we look for in leaders. He set a good role model in his community. I am deeply saddened by his loss. I am also deeply saddened by the pain that this irresponsible, very sick and disturbed individual that CHOSE TO DRIVE after consuming alcohol, knowing full well what the consequences of that behavior were has caused his family.

Yes, our cities and our state governments are far too lenient on drunk drivers. That is because a lot of judges, politicians, cops, lawyers and policy makers also love to have a drink or three before they head out onto the highways, and we wouldn't want to enact any laws that might affect US in a negative way WOULD WE????

[ontarioroader]

Maryland public court records shows priors: DUI, DUI, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, Failure to Control Speed to Avoid an Accident - and some reference to motor vehicle bodily injury and failure to appear for sentencing that resulted in a warrant request. Charges for this most recent case include resisting arrest and assaulting a law enforcement officer. Again - this is all from public records supplied by Maryland courts.

[MDcyclist]

Traffic is a collective madness. Take for example, this DC metro area. Every morning, 2 to 3 million people, inidividually placed in a machine (or a missile)of 5000 pounds, made form steel and hardened plastic and after each driver is given stimulants (a few cups of coffee)raced against each other 60 to 70 miles an hour and they are told to be at certain location at certain time or else lose their livelihood. After working them 8 to 9 delibitating hours, they are put back in these missiles and raced back home. On the way, toxicate the brains of some with alcohol and distract some others putting a iphone or cell phone in their hands. Every year about 45,000 people lose their lives in car related accidents in this country. This is a huge number, a social tragedy, close to how many lives we lost in Vietnam.

I think instead of blaming the police or the laws, we need to go to the root cause of this matter. How this madness all started. Which social groups initiated this madness, who had economic benefit. If we understand the root causes then we may come up with a solution.

[Richard Beck]

Fraser, an adult, volunteered to get drunk, and he alone chose to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. His driving was a deliberate act and he must be charged with manslaughter.

[Chris]

Bicycles don't belong on the road period. They are a nuisance road hazard and contribute to creating tragedy. My heart goes out to all of the families involved.

[SJE]

Chris: that is the same logic that says that a women who is not in burka is asking to be raped.

[MAC]

This was an accident, pure and simple. If a driver had not been drunk, it is still considered to be an accident. Does anyone know if this biker wandered too far into the lane? Did the driver venture over too far? What has happened, happened. Driving drunk is not acceptable and Mont Co is in fact an easy place to get a slap on the wrist. However, living off of Beach Dr for more than 30 years, I can attest to seeing more bikers break the law than fallow it. On any given weekend morning, less than 10% will stop at stop signs. They will illegally cut through intersections on red lights and then blame drivers for almost hitting them. Death of another person is awful, regardless of the situation, but why don't we look at both sides of the issue to make some changes. A 'more experienced' biker, in my opinion, of watching this over the years, is to abuse the 'share the road' slogan as a right to do what they may please. I bike; I ride on both the bike path and the road, I obey all the LAWS of the road. I think a little knowledge and common sense on both sides is needed. And for gods sake, can someone please tell people that AT AN INTERSECTION WITH THE POWER OUT...ITS CONSIDERED A 4 WAY STOP.....that's for cars and bikes - sorry, had to get that off my chest.

[CyclingFool]

MAC wrote: If a driver had not been drunk, it is still considered to be an accident. Does anyone know if this biker wandered too far into the lane? Did the driver venture over too far? What has happened, happened. Driving drunk is not acceptable...

Nope. We don't know the details apart from the fact that a drunk driver collided w/ an experienced cyclist. You take a wild guess where responsibility lies.

And yet, you have the gaul to launch into an anti-cyclist tirade. Nice. Real nice.

What if your comment read like this:

This was an accident, pure and simple. If a driver had not been drunk, it is still considered to be an accident. Does anyone know if this other driver wandered too far into the lane? Did the first driver venture over too far?

[sarcastic rant]
Obviously, therefore, this accident is the fault of the other driver, b/c I see sober drivers roll stop signs all the time, make illegal right turns on red and then curse pedestrians that are legally in the crosswalk. Oh, and of course, no one EVER, EVER breaks the speed limit while driving.

There is no way that a drunk driver w/ multiple prior DUIs is in any way responsible for this accident.
[/sarcastic rant]

Give me a break, MAC. Your post is ridiculous.

[Ed]

Stan was a good dude. Man, this hurts.

[roberto ayoroa]

im moving from this evil sate, to many angry,stressed out people , i just got hit last week ,i was on a bike path, all she kept saying was i got to get my daughter to school. been a cylist for 30 years, ive survived many crashes . im moving to colorado as soon as i can. i have never had any problems there when i go for 3 week vacations, NONE!!!! i may end up like that pore man, if i stay here.

[MDcyclist]

How can one say this is an accident. When you are driving a car, you know you can kill a person easily. This is not true when you ride a bike.
You all blinded by this car culture imposed on you by our economic system. Time to wake up.

[washcycle]

Technically it was "an accident" in that it wasn't intentional. It was not, thus murder. The error comes in believing that an accident can't be a crime. It can. If the negligence rises to the level of being criminal negligence. So it sounds like it was both an accident and a very serious crime. A felony even.

MAC, it's pretty classless to jump onto this incident - in which a cyclists who was reported to be following the law was killed by a driver who was not and who fought (literally) to hide that - and start complaining about cyclist who run lights. It has nothing to do with this incident. There is no amount of lawful cycling that will save you from a drunk driver who drifts out of his lane and hits you from behind at high speed. Were I you, I'd be ashamed of myself.

[Robert Carter]

I am one of those piece of shit Montgomery County police officers described above. I am on line, looking for the details for Stan's funeral when I cam across these postings.

Stan worked at the Bike Place on Colesville Road in the early 90's when we had our contract for police bikes with them. I was a bicycle officer during that time and was in and out of that shop every other day. He was always very cheerful and zany when we interacted. Back then when I first started I did not know how to change a tire. Stan came to our first mountain bicycle training class and taught us basic mechanics. He also rode with us that week and taught us how to ascend and descend stairs, how to hope curbs, and how to jump things without wiping out and looking like a dork. I think Stan not only taught us so that we would catch his passion for riding, but he also did it just as much to have fun for himself. Stan's passion for life, his love of his family and his riding will be missed. It is truly a tragedy.

Mike: Particularly as a bike cop, but also as a patrol officer, I have written several tickets to people who tailgated me, threw objects at me, who were speeding near me, ran stop signs and also hit me, etc. Cops writing or not writing tickets is not why this CRIME took place. The drunk driver is the reason Stan is dead. And losing him is simply not a fair trade - not for his friends or his family. Nothing will make this horrible event right.

[EVLjr.]

Good to see Robert Carter acknowledging his title. But i must agree with him this is not a result of a police officer not issuing a ticket. However it does make me mad that in Moco, if this was a police officer, either driver or rider it would be handled differently. Because Moco police officers get treated like kings, allowed to do pretty much anything they want and get away with it. I have a couple of friends that are Moco police, won't put their names out there but you know who you are, and it makes me sick every time they tell stories about what would happen if they were involved. From the punishment of the driver getting taken into their own hands or the way they would use their police buddies to get off of the crime. Why should the occupation of either victim or criminal be a issue. We all have the same rights as a human and the sooner everybody realizes this we can stop letting the mood or attitude of the police determine right from wrong.
Nobody deserves to lose their life and this truly could have been prevented by everybody being more responsible. Nobody can see the future. But we can change what we do to help prevent tragedies like this from happening again. Once again I send my prayers to both families, Stan and Quinzy. This tragedy has changed a lot of peoples lives instantly.

[Washcycle]

Well, I don't think you can blame the police for this anymore than you can blame the cyclist. They did their job. They arrested this guy on several occasions - with enough evidence to make it stick. That's their job. That he got out again is not the police's fault. That he got behind the wheel after drinking is not their fault either. His bartender is more to blame than the police.

And as to police being treated differently, even if true, it is hardly germane to this discussion.

Overall, let's try to cut down on calling people pieces of shit please.

[Ethebull]

I didn’t meet Stan in my travels, though I easily could have. He worked in the Bike Industry starting right about the time I did. He at the Bicycle Place, me at Proteus. He did club riding, I did more on the racing side. We are/ sadly, were, in the neighborhood of fifty… Many thousands of miles traveling the areas roadways, together but apart.

I have ridden Ridge road here in Montgomery County. It is like many semi-rural-basically-suburban roads around here. On some parts a cyclist feels relatively safe, on others, not so much. A seasoned biker knows to hug the white line when the road narrows, but there is only so much room. We count on the wherewithal of the motorists behind us, and their good intentions. One poster here said, “Bicycles don't belong on the road period. They are a nuisance road hazard and contribute to creating tragedy.” Sadly, a common thought. Many perfectly decent law abiding drivers share this opinion, but I really am confounded as to why. Why is it that when I am rolling smoothly up to an intersection on my bike, a motorist behind insists on passing, often dangerously before the red light, just to stop? Why when descending a steep hill at 30-40 mph in a 35mph zone will a motorist honk and abuse me on my bike while doing everything beyond reason to get past me? We are not slow automobiles folks, we are more like street cleaning machines or farm vehicles, although they are large and invulnerable to potential abuse. ALL OF US HAVE A RIGHT to use the roads., in this country and around the world. Mr. “Bicycles don't belong on the road period.“- , did you teach your son or daughter to ride a bike with pride? How would you feel if they were run down by a drunk or sober-with-distain motorist? Cyclists are out there for many reasons. To get from point A to B, Commuting to work, getting fit, visiting friends and family… We are fathers, mothers, loved ones, employers and employees…

Unfortunately, cyclists are often treated worse than stray dogs.

Stan was the victim of a drunk on the road, adding to the injustice of the tragedy. I hope there is some good that comes from this discussion, and that the driver is punished accordingly.

[Bill Fallon]

I knew Stan Miller from the Germantown Dog Park on Ridge Road, just a short distance from where he was killed by a drunk driver last Friday, by a guy that had been convicted of a DUI and failing to control speed to avoid an accident in July 2004. Quinzy Reginald Fraser of Clarksburg, MD was sentenced to one year in jail with all but one weekend suspended according to court records. Also according to court records, this "great guy" failed to show up for sentencing in 2004 and a warrant had to be sworn out for his arrest.... what a stand up guy. He obviously didn't learn his lesson from doing a weekend in jail as opposed to a year...our court system definitely failed Stan. You cause an accident due to a DUI, you don't show up for sentencing, you have a warrant sworn out for your arrest and the judge gives you one weekend in jail?? I want that Judge when I screw up in life!!

[Bill Fallon]

I was also looking for information regarding Stan's memorial services. can anyone help me or am I too late? I just found out about his passing today at the Dog Park where I used to see Stan most nights last summer

[Penelope]

according to DCRand list: A memorial gathering to celebrate Stan's life will be held the weekend of
September 11/12, 2010 in Damascus, MD. Details to appear in Spokes Mag and
by email.

http://www.spokesmagazine.com/

(Stan's funeral is tomorrow)

[Scott]

@EVLjr

"Two good men lost their life."

No, only one man lost his life and the other is facing the consequences for his actions. Don't equate dieing to going to prison. It belittles what Stan's family & friends are going through. Quincy's family and friends will see him again. Stan's family and friends get to visit his grave for now on.

"Yes Quincy survived the accident but the court system will punish him with a pointless punishment of long jail time i'm sure. What does anybody gain from this?"

Had he gotten a "pointless" long jail sentence from his previous infractions, Stan would be with us today. Maybe him getting a "pointless" sentance now will keep us from losing more wonderful people like Stan.

It was an accident. I'm sure Quincy had no intention of killing someone the night he drove drunk. However, intentions, good or bad, don't accomplish anything. Only actions count, and it was the act of getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated along with bad luck that cost our friend his life.

I pray for both families. I pray for Stan who is probably bicycling across heaven and I pray for Quincy who now has to live with the guilt of taking away a wonderful person from the world many days too soon.

[Richard]

It's amazing to see all these ridiculous comments that this tragedy was an " accident ". Anything that involves criminal behavior is NOT an accident. Nobody forced Quinzy Fraser to drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a dangerous weapon ( a vehicle ). Yes, Quinzy had a prior record of DUI and got off with a slap on the wrist thanks to this god-forsaken LIBERAL run county so don't expect Quinzy to get a stiff sentence this time either. This is whar happens when you elect LIBERALS to office. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Stan's family and friends.

[Scott]

Richard: I agree 100%. I hope the right judge is in court when he is sentenced. This man has had all the 2nd chances and now needs to be put away for a while before he kills again.

[Scott]

Part of the Article from the Gazette:

"Officers who responded to the collision said they smelled alcohol on Fraser, police said.

Fraser, 34, refused a Breathalyzer test at the scene, Starks said. Fraser, who is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, refused to get out of the police cruiser at the 5th District police station in Germantown and was forcibly removed for processing, according to police charging documents filed in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville. He would not walk and had to be dragged into the station by multiple officers.

Police then took Fraser to the Shady Grove Adventist Emergency Center in Germantown to get a blood sample for alcohol testing, the documents state. He refused to cooperate and had to be restrained by seven officers. Two officers held Fraser's head while his arms and legs were put in restraints because he allegedly tried to bite the arresting officer twice."

[Richard]

Scott what is so sad in this senseless tragedy is to see the bleeding heart LIBERALS rallying around Mr. Fraser and even worse is for them to blame the police department. It's the LIBERAL judges that should be taking the heat. What is a scary thought is that this character Fraser lives in my neighborhood and I was out driving in that area that evening and I could have been one of his victims. If I were the judge Fraser would never again operate a motor vehicle in the state of Maryland. Of course at some point in time he will be allowed to but hopefully he is only allowed to drive a motor vehicle registered in his name and that vehicle be equipped with a breathalyzer machine so that if he does not pass the breathalyzer test he would not be able to start the vehicle. This should also apply to anyone else that has a prior DUI arrest/conviction.

[Scott S.]

It was not an accident. The killer was educated enough (Univ of Md), experienced enough (previous DUI conviction), and mature enough (34 years old) to understand that getting behind the wheel drunk would endanger others and jeopardize his family's well-being. In my opinions, this was murder or aggravated manslaughter. It is naive and offensive to label this tragedy an accident because the driver didn't intentionally and with malice kill Stan, or bacause other people "sometimes get behind the wheel after a few too many".

[washcycle]

Scott & Richard, it all depends on your definition of "accident". Certainly Fraser didn't intend to hit or kill Miller. It was the direct result of his decision to drive, but it was an "accident" by the textbook definition. This only matters in that Fraser can be charged with some serious crimes but not others (like 1st degree murder). Otherwise, the question of the meaning of the word "accident" is rather inconsequential. That is was an accident doesn't change that it was a crime.

Richard, I'm not sure there is any relationship between the politics of judges and their position on drunk driving. My wife used to clerk in DC and she thinks that whether or not a judge is "tough" or "soft" has nothing to do with whether or not they're LIBERAL of CONSERVATIVE.

[Richard]

I am simply flabergasted that CRT who claims to know the Frasers would defend Quinzy by saying that we all have had " careless " moments behind the wheel. Granted we do get distracted with cell phones, putting on makeup, wrestling with disorderly kids, etc. but knowingly consuming alcohol and then getting behind the wheel of a car is about as reckless and irresponsible as it gets. CRT also commented that Mr. Fraser would take responsibility for his actions like he did NOT after his first DUI. Is refusing to take a breathalyzer, as well as a blood alcohol test, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer being responsible? Obviously if you know the Frasers you can't be IMPARTIAL.

[SR]

Dear Stan, I am sad that you will not be out there making people smile or lending a hand to someone in need. I always loved how your eyes brimmed with life, your melting touch and the trust that came so easily with you. I've never forgotten how you cared for me when I was really really sick with the flu. You sat by my bed and brought me soup. I won't forget how torn up you were when your good friend died of cancer and how you shaved your head in support of him losing his hair. I'll always remember your eyes and how they brimmed with love for everything you cared for. I will always love you. Come back and visit us in our dreams.

[Scott]

Richard
Notice how everything Quincy did was a delaying tactic to not get a blood-alcohol test?
First he refused a breathalyzer at the scene, then the cops took him downtown, then he refused to get out of the car, then they took him to the hospital, they he struggled with the officers to the point that they had to pin him down. How much time do you think that took? How much alcohol do you think was out of his system by that time? Enough to get him off of the DUI charge? Enough to make it look like an "accident" instead of a drunken mistake?

[SR]

String him up...he is a bastard and will not get a single tear from me. His children should learn that we are all responsible for our actions. He needs to have to book thrown at him and his driving "privileges" revoked, permanently, like Stan's murder. Because that's what is was murder. Hear that defenders of a drunk driving murderer? It Was Murder!

[Richard]

Well Scott maybe Quinzy had enough alcohol in his system that even with his stalling tactics the blood-alcohol results will still be enough for a DUI conviction. Hopefully MADD is following this story and they can do something to make sure that Mr. Fraser does not get away with ANOTHER light DUI sentence.

[JC]

@SR
As a long time friend of Quinzy's, this was not murder. It was an accident. You shouldn't be calling people names, it is very juvenile.

[JC]

And yes, Quinzy is a good family man.

[JC]

@Ethebull
I am a teacher and a mother and also believe that bicycles do not belong on the road. There is a reason for sidewalks. I pray for both families affected by this horrible accident.

[washcycle]

JC, under the law it can be an accident and murder. The two are not mutually exclusive.

http://www.duiblog.com/2009/01/07/dui-murder/

[Ron Alford]

@JC: Believe what you will, but you're still wrong. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. In most of Maryland (MoCo excepted), sidewalk cycling is illegal.

There's a reason for that, too - it's safer to ride in the road.

[JH]

@Ron Alford..."it's safer to ride in the road"...Apparently not. The knee jerk reactions generated from stories like this are crazy. I'm going to say with near certainty that Quinzy did not wake up that morning and decide he was going to go get liquored up and then go cyclist hunting. The occurance was AN ACCIDENT. What he will be charged with based on the laws violated is another issue. Vehicular Manslaughter perhaps but certainly not murder. However I also believe there should be certain times of the day that a cyclist should be allowed on main roads. They present just as much risk of danger on the road during the busier driving times. Much like drinking and driving, this will never be fixed. If you can't feel for ALL parties involved in this tragedy then there is probably something wrong with you.

[Ron Alford]

@JH: Look up the statistics. However, in this case it doesn't matter - he was on the wide shoulder.

Even sidewalks aren't safe from drunk drivers.

[Max]

What a amazing chasm of thoughts on such a simple and tragic situation.

To those commenters in support/defense of the auto driver, could you please elaborate on your views of the following topics:

a) Your view of drinking and then driving. Is it just a reality of living in that kind of area?
b) Your take of driving (do you see it as a "privilege", or a "right"?)
c)

There are more questions I'm sure, to be asked. To be understood. I just don't have them in me right now. I want to understand your point of view.

[JH]

@Max thanks for the stance you take before forming an opinion. Facts are always needed in my opinion. While drinking and driving is wrong/illegal I think it just is more of an unfortunate reality. I don't think I am in the minority of people who have done this. What is more concerning is the lack of comprehension of actions equaling consequences, combined with knowing the risks. Driving is certainly a privilege. What I would like to finish this with is this: I am not a supporter/defender of Mr. Fraser's actions. However I have compassion for him, his family as well as the victim and his friends and families. A horrible decision is now going to affect a multitude of lives forever. Actions = Consequences and unfortunately these are some of the most dire of consequences.

[Scott]

@JC & JH

1) There was no sidewalk in that area of street.
2) The wide shoulder in that area is designated for bicycles by law.
3) It was 7pm when Stan was killed by Quinzy. Sunlight would not have been a problem and visibility would have not been a problem.

I honestly believe this was an accident. However after reading how Quinzy resisted arrest and did everything in his power to keep from getting his BAC level checked it is obvious to anyone that he was drunk driving and that his BAC was substancial.

I don't know how much jail time he should serve. I believe his license should be revoked, permanently. When you get in the car, you are not only driving a form of transportation you are driving a multi-ton weapon around. He had a DUI before, he obviously did not learn his lesson, and thus he should never be allowed to drive again.

I actually think that would be an appropriate sentance. No jail time but revoke his driving privileges permanently. I believe this should be true with all vehicular manslaughter cases due to drinking/substance abuse.

[Richard]

The ridiculous comments just keep coming in and apparently not paying attention to what I have said. To keep referring to this tragedy as an " accident " is to deny that Quinzy was drinking alcohol before he struck the bycyclist or that somebody forced him to drink alcohol. Would this so-called family man drink and drive with his family in the car? Did Quinzy attend AA meetings after his first DUI in 2004? Yes pray that Mr.Fraser gets some help for his drinking problem as well as his disregard for human value.

[Scott]

@Richard

I understand what you are saying and agree with some of your points. The death of Stan was an accident I'm sure we would all agree that Quincy had no intention of killing anyone.

However Quincy's actions prior to the accident were negligent and dangerous. Quincy's poor judgement and dangerous actions cost our friend his life. How many times had Quincy driven home with one too many and had gotten lucky to not hurt anyone? Obviously the slap on the wrist he got on his previous DUI conviction had little to no effect.

I then think of Quincy's actions at the scene. Refusing a breathalayzer, fighting with officers at the police station, fighting with officers at the hospital and basically doing all he could to prevent the police from obtaining his blood alchol level. This paints a picture that Quincy knew he was too drunk to drive, and knew that if the police knew his BAC level he would be in grave trouble.

This does not sound like a good man to me. This sounds like a man who knew he made a mistake and then attempted to cover his tracks even after he had killed a man. This sounds like a selfish individual who didn't man up, this sounds like a man who is only interested in himself and not others.

[Richard]

Well I'm not sure if this is the same Scott who in earlier posts did not accept this tragedy as an " accident " or exactly what other points you disagree with me on but you need to explain to me how a CRIME such as this one could possibly be considered an " accident ". Are you aware that in Quinzy's previous DUI in 2004 it also involved bodily injury and he failed to show up for his sentencing. I guess it was an accident that he didn't show up for his sentencing. Whether you are aware of it or not Scott there is a saying that goes something like " All of us make mistakes but only MORONS repeat them " and by definition Mr. Fraser is definitely, unequivocally a MORON.

[Scott]

@Richard
The accident was killing a man. There was no intent and it was a byproduct of the crime.

The crime was driving drunk, failure to control vehicle to avoid a human, criminal negligence, etc.

The death was an accident, everything else was negligence, criminal, stupid, disgusting and horrifying. The crime was not an accident.

I am aware of his past record Richard. Personally I think his license should be permanently revoked at the minimum. And personally, part of me wants to see him put away for life.

[Max]

The driver was in an altered state of his own making. He chose all of his actions. I don't think it correct to assume anything of the intent of an inebriated man. But he put himself in that situation, repeatedly. And exactly as another said, how many times did he do this and fortunately miss hitting, killing, someone.

Stan Miller was doing nothing wrong. He was using the road as he is allowed to. That could have just as easily been a pedestrian, or a police officer. Or maybe he could have veered left, directly into your car. Maybe the next guy will.

[Richard]

Scott I could not agree with you more that Mr. Fraser should have his license permanently revoked but that is just wishful thinking. I believe he automatically loses it for a year for refusing a breathalyzer test. As far as any jail time goes I would be very surprised to see him get more than 1 year that he would actually serve and this of course would be sending out the wrong message that it is OK to drink and drive in the great LIBERAL state of Maryland.

[jd]

I drive past this location all the time from home to work and vice versa. The right shoulder is very wide with very good visibility along Butlers Orchard farm. Very sad news. Never knew Stan, but bought a bike seat from Damascus bike store a couple years back. Not sure if Stan worked there at that time.
Down the street where the big church is (offset) and new traffic light a young kid got hit and killed by a motorist as well on the right shoulder of the now abandoned home. He was trying to cross the road after Church session.

[jd]

Yes, riding a bike on ridge road on a Friday evening around 7pm (Happy Hour is commonly used to describe the gathering of work colleagues at a restaurant or bar after work hours, possibly outside the period of 4 PM and 7 PM) has a bit more risk involved I'd have to say to be near motorists on a busy, crazy, and hectic road. Heck, I see speeds increase on Friday and Saturday nights within my community on a 25mph intersect/connector street. I hate the fact they have not put up a speed camera yet. Having houses with kids at play so close to these driving maniacs who abuse their driving privilege especially on a local street is horror waiting to happen.

[Andrea]

Update in article, "Fraser was charged with resisting arrest and second-degree assault of a law enforcement officer on June 26, according to documents. Those charges were dropped by prosecutors July 7, according to an online state court records database."

http://www.gazette.net/stories/07142010/germnew190716_32551.php

[Dorian Janney]

I am a very close friend of Stan's with whom he lived with for the past six years. He was an experienced bicycle rider who was extremely careful on the road and made every attempt to be safe and let people know he was on the road. He wore bright clothing, a reflective belt, a helmet, and did absolutely everything possible to avoid an accident. He was riding on a wide shoulder, clearly marked, and had every right to share the road with cars. As a matter of fact, there are few people on Earth who cared as much about other people or the Earth as Stan. Although he also drove a car, he was also aware of the impact humans had on our planet and worked hard to mitigate our impact and do what he could to reduce our negative impact on our precious planet. He was a father of a beloved daughter, whom he taught to be responsible for herself and for the world in which she will inherit. On the other hand, Mr. Fraser made a conscious choice to drink and drive. His blood test, which took six weeks to process as he refused to do a Breathalizer test on the scene and instead resisted arrest and had to be taken, against his will as he fought off seven police officers, indicted that he was clearly very drunk. As a matter of fact, his blood alcohol level was 0.20, meaning he was two and three-quarters over the legal limit. He was, technically speaking, drunk as a skunk. Yet he chose to drive home. He made this choice, and that is when it ceased to be an "accident" and became manslaughter. He decided to break the law, once again, and put other people's lives at risk. He drove off of the road and hit my friend Stan at 74 miles per hour, according to the box found within his car after the accident. He smashed right into him and hit him so hard that he actually broke his helmet on impact, and threw him into the fence at Butler's Orchard at a speed that broke just about every bone in his body when he hit the fence. Thankfully, he died very quickly in the arms of people who rushed to the scene and stayed to treat him as they would want to be treated. Mr. Fraser originally drove away, and then put his car in reverse when drivers in front of him wouldn't let him pass. He umped out of his truck, after backing up at a fast speed, and shouted "Who hit him?" and stood by Stan, as he lay there dying, and refused to accept responsibility for having hit him. He fought off seven police officers as they attempted to get him to take a test to see how much he alcohol he had in his system. An accident? I don't think so... While I know nothing will bring back the gentle soul who lived in my home, who called my cat and dog his "brothers" and made time to pet them and ask them about their day every evening when he came home, the man who guided my sons through their rough adolescence and gave them nothing but positive feedback as they developed into young men, who loved his own daughter beyond love and never turned down an offer to take her back to college in Baltimore or treat her to a concert, this man who loved his dog and his girlfriend Ale and her sons and who always thought about others and strived to be an instrument of God's peace- I do know that he isn't coming home. His rooms downstairs have remained as he left them, and at night I go down and walk around and try to wrap my head around the fact that he will never come back home. Mr. Fraser's family is suffering and my heart goes out to them, but eventually, once he serves his time for making poor decisions and attempts to repay society for what he has stolen from all of us, he will open the door and walk into their lives once again, We will never be so lucky. Drive carefully. Be kind, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Assume responsibility for your actions.

Peace Be With You- Dorian

[RK]

I personally know Mr. Fraser and his family.
For all of you so quick to jump on him, its extremely easy for people to blame him. But those of us in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. His BAC is unknown. How many of you can sit there and say you have not EVER ONCE had a drink and driven. Until they discover his BAC, back off. People die EVERYDAY. This isn't meaning to take away from Stan's death, but move on. Bikers and drivers need to be more careful, but seeing as how I live in the rural part of MOCO ( one lane roads) I can personally attest to the annoyance and nuisance bikers cause me.
Quinzy is a wonderful man who has always been there for his family and friends. Don't mistake his failure to appear for his hearings as being a moron, but rather as good political judgment. And back off of him. Until you are in the same situation as him, you have no right to judge. No one does.

[washcycle]

RK, I will confess that as a younger dumber man I drank and then got behind the wheel. It was wrong and had I been caught I would have a gotten a punishment I deserved.

But I didn't get arrested and convicted for drunk driving in 2004 after a crash and then do it again and kill someone and then try to leave the scene and then refuse a breathalyser and attack a police officer when he tried to take my blood and then, apparently, fail to appear for my hearing. Mr. Fraser did that, (and he does sound like a wonderful man). So, I would not say that I'm living in a glass house.

move on You're right, we are making too big a deal of this. I mean it's not like anyone died or anything.

I can personally attest to the annoyance and nuisance bikers cause me. Are they as annoying as repeat drunk drivers who murder innocent people?

[contrarian]

RK, you are a piece of work.

[Scott]

RK

So we can't judge him until we are so drunk that we run down a bicyclist and kill a man?

[Scott]

Contrarian, you are close, RK is a POS.

[roberto ayoroa]

like i said get the hell out of maryland/ dc area. people who hate tax paying hard working healthy living cyclist are all around us. its only time before they get you. im moving to colorado in 2012, hope im not killed r crippled before than. i have taken many long vacations to colorado n have never had any body hate me for riding my bike, NEVER!!, but here they honk. throw things n yell at me every time i ride. i ride about 5000 miles a year, maryland sucks, im out of here, you who say we get in your way when your in your cars, have to remember that you OWN YOUR CAR NOT THE ROAD!

[RK]

People die everyday. So yes, like I said before move on. And good for you for moving to Colorado, goodbye and good riddance. You say he ran down a bicyclist as if you think he did it on purpose. Rethink your words because it was not intentional. Who are ANY of you to judge him or his actions. That is not for people to decide. Everything happens for a reason and once you accept that you will be able to get over this issue and move on. Not once did I say I was glad this person died, so do not twist my words in your little minds. I know you guys are upset, but coming from the other side we are upset about Mr. Frasers actions, but your angry and hurtful words will not do you any good. But if it makes you guys feel better to say all those things, then go ahead. Maybe if we are lucky you will all move to Colorado...

[RK]

And if calling me a piece of work, or as Scott so eloquently put it, a POS, makes you feel better, go right on ahead. There are neither winners nor losers in this situation. I was merely stating that there are people on both sides of the fence and that you guys are not completely correct, nor am I. SO before you guys flip out over everything maybe you should open your minds a bit.

[washcycle]

Who are ANY of you to judge him or his actions. We're his fellow citizens and the people who have to get on our bikes every day hoping that a repeat drunk driver doesn't run off the road and kill us (unintentionally or otherwise). So we have a personal stake in this. We have reason to want to see the law properly executed. To see dangerous drivers taken off the road and to see drivers who kill under the influence punished for their crimes. Who do we need to be to judge him?

Everything happens for a reason and once you accept that you will be able to get over this issue and move on. That is the kind of fatalism I don't share. I don't think this man's death was part of God's larger plan and therefore above question or concern.

There are neither winners nor losers in this situation. I would say Mr. Miller lost quite a bit. As did society as a whole.

SO before you guys flip out over everything maybe you should open your minds a bit. Open our minds to what? You keep alluding to some "other side". What is that side? I'm squarely against drunk driving and vehicular homicide. I would like to hear what the pro-vehicular homicide argument is?

[contrarian]

Everything happens for a reason. Quinzy Fraser will go to jail for a long time, and lose all of his worldly possessions, and the reason will be that he made a series of extremely unfortunate choices. Cyclists will applaud when that happens, and the reason will be that we believe that incidents like this should be treated not as unfortunate accidents, but as criminal acts. The reason we feel that way is that we believe that behavior like this is preventable, and that harsh penalties will discourage others from acting the same way in the future.

[roberto ayoroa]

to the, so holy than god , RK. your the kind of person who thinks he owns the road n is the only one who has the right to use it. hope you see the light n come to love people for what they are gods children n not another pest in your way,i do not think you know what your talking about, i drive n ride so i have to deal with your kind all the time. your a sad man, get some love in your hart. go to church a pray for god to open your eyes to the world you live in. may be you will see the light n be free from the hate you have for people. once again YOU OWN YOUR CAR NOT THE ROAD. can you get that much info in your little hart.r you so cold that no one but you is allowed to use the road??

[SJE]

RK: I understand that you may be a friend of Mr. Fraser, and are "annoyed" by cyclists. Well, a lot of cyclists are not only "annoyed" by arrogant drivers who think they own the road, but are regularly harrassed, injured and killed. I still have $2000 in bills, a broken bike and nerve damage 6 months later from a driver who was not taking care on a local road next to a bike trail.

These are the roads that we cyclists pay for and, in fact, subsidize for the benefit of drivers. When drivers turn around and act as if we cyclists are the problem, or try and minimize their irresponsibility, we have a right to complain.

Repeat drunk drivers should not be driving: end of story. Similarly, drivers who "didn't see" someone should not get off with a few hundred dollar fine. Its not about punishing Mr. Fraser, its about removing bad drivers from the road. Its a license, not a right: the evidence suggests that some people cannot be trusted with the license to drive. Not its not just about cyclists: its the bad drivers who also kill other motorists, pedestrians, and animals.

As for sending a message: yes, we would like to send a message. Please be careful and considerate of others.

[AG]

Does anyone know what the results were from Mr. Fraser's blood work? Was he even intoxicated, or are all of you determined to vilify the man before he has actually been proven guilty of anything other than being involved in an accident that took the life of another individual? I haven't heard anything about the case since the assault charges were dropped. It's been nearly 5 months since this unfortunate incident, and yet there has been no news indicating Mr. Fraser was drunk prior to the accident. Everyone should back off until then and let the justice system run its course.

[washcycle]

Back off? We're making comments on a blog read by a few hundred people. How much farther back can we get?

[SJE]

AG: irrespective of the blood work, you have a fatal accident, witnesses who say he smelled of alcohol, attempted to drive away, got into a fight with the cops, and refused a breathalyzer. Then you add a prior DUI. I think that a jury would make a reasonable inference that he had too much.

Another point is that his BAC shouldn't be determinative. The blood tests don't get all drugs unless you know what to look for.

More importantly, it is counterproductive to focus on BAC. A difference of 0.1 could determine whether you are charged with a felony or get off with not even a ticket. This is BS. The real question should be whether you operate your vehicle responsibly. You can be a bad driver in so many ways. If you kill someone, why should you be trusted with your license?

[Scott]

As a matter of fact, his blood alcohol level was 0.20, meaning he was two and three-quarters over the legal limit.

(Stated above in one of the longer posts.)

Hope he gets a nice long prison sentance.

[Scott]

RK

Nice to see someone so deluded. "Everything happens for a reason." Yes Quinzy got drunk and ran down a man. That is your reason, he exhibited no self-control and killed a man in the prime of his life. Have you read the full report on your wonderful friend Quinzy? That he had a 0.20 BAC? That he attempted to leave the scene of the crime but other drivers blocked him in? That he then floored the truck in reverse and was screaming that he didn't hit anyone while Stan was dying?

Maybe you'd feel a little different if one of your friends or loved ones died at the hands of Quinzy, or would you still mutter your worthless "Things happen for a reason."

"There are neither winners or losers in this situation." You are not thinking clearly. I think it is safe to say we are all losers in this situation. Some of lost a friend permanently, some will see a friend or family member go to jail, others are just sitting here thinking why didn't the judge give a much harsher to sentence to this killer the first time.

[Bikes Stink]

He hasn't been charged yet has he? Doubt he will.

[Scott]

AG:

Just to let you know, he plead guilty.

[Phillip McCracken]

For those who don't know, the sentencing court date has been changed to Monday, January 17th at 1:30pm in Courtroom #1 on the third floor at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Rockville, MD. I hope to see everyone their in support of the cycling community.

Thanks,
Philip M.

NOTE from Editor: The above information is incorrect.

[Martin Mcneal]

That is correct, Philip.

The sentencing court date has been changed to Monday, January 17th at 1:30pm in Courtroom #1 on the third floor at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Rockville.

NOTE from Editor: The above information is incorrect.

[Scott]

Where is the official source for this? I've checked the MD judiciary case search and do not see this new information.

I hope this is genuine and not a ploy by Quinzy's friends/lawyers to screw Stanton over.

I'd suggest everyone go Friday unless someone can offically confirm this.

[Scott]

BTW - I will be printing this out and brining it with me to the court tomorrow. And I am going to talk to WashCycle about doing an IP trace on the people who have made these messages.

If these are not true, then this can be seen as fraud and there may be legal actions to be taken.

[Bill Fallon]

Who are Phillip McCracken and Martin Mcneal?
Can we please get some background on who you are and where you got this information??

[kellen]

Monday is a MLK day and most gov't ofcs and courthouses are closed.