DUI Crash in Waldorf Injuries Two Students

Incident Information

On the night of September 29, 2025, a serious crash in Waldorf rattled Southern Maryland when a passenger car rear-ended a school bus carrying the Westlake High School junior varsity football team. The collision happened around 8:12 p.m. in the 3700 block of Leonardtown Road and resulted in injuries, major vehicle damage, and the arrest of the car’s driver on DUI-related charges.

The vehicle involved was a Camaro driven by 32-year-old Waldorf resident David Wayne Coffren. According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Coffren was traveling southbound when he struck the rear of the school bus, which was carrying 28 passengers—including players, coaches, and staff—on their way back from a game at Thomas Stone High School. The impact disabled both vehicles and brought traffic to a halt as fire and EMS crews rushed to the scene.

First responders quickly assessed the passengers. Two students on the bus suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata. Officials have not released details about their injuries but confirmed that no one aboard the bus sustained life-threatening harm. Emergency personnel ensured all passengers received appropriate care while the area was secured for investigation.

Preliminary findings from the sheriff’s office showed that Coffren displayed clear signs of impairment, leading to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. Investigators also discovered a 7-year-old child in the Camaro who was uninjured but not secured in a required booster seat. Maryland law mandates proper child restraints for children under 8 unless they meet certain height and weight requirements.

Coffren is now facing multiple charges, including DUI, DUI with a minor, reckless driving, speeding, and failure to properly restrain a child. Because a minor was present, the penalties are more severe. In Maryland, a first-time DUI conviction can mean up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a six-month license suspension. When a child under 16 is in the vehicle, penalties can rise to $2,000 in fines and up to two years in jail. Additional citations related to speeding and reckless driving further compound the charges.

Following his arrest, Coffren was taken into custody, and the child was released to a family member. The incident is being investigated by PFC Stine of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not yet released information about Coffren’s blood alcohol content, the speed of the vehicle, or any environmental factors that may have contributed to the crash.

As the investigation continues, the sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with information to contact PFC Stine or provide tips through official channels.

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