Police still investigating Sunday morning accidents

Two single vehicle accidents near Great Cacapon early Sunday morning resulted in serious injuries to two Morgan County residents who had to be helicoptered to Winchester Medical Center.

Both accidents remain under investigation by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.

Began with hit & run
The first accident was the final event in a series that began when Jason Maslauskas, 31, of Coyote Lane allegedly struck a mailbox and parked car on Cold Run Valley Road.

Maslauskas allegedly left the scene and later struck a tree in Great Cacapon.

Deputy Luke Shambaugh responded to the Cold Run Valley call at 3:23 a.m. He was later able to tie the hit and run incident to the Maslauskas car due to broken tail light pieces found at the scene.

Sheriff Vince Shambaugh said the hit and run on Cold Run Valley Road and the accident in Great Cacapon were being investigated as a possible DUI case.

“Due to his condition at the scene, we were unable to obtain a breathalyzer test. We are waiting for a blood sample from the hospital,” Shambaugh said.

He said that at the least, Maslauskas will be charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

Left the scene
The second accident occurred in the 1600 block of Cacapon Road near Great Cacapon when a car allegedly driven by Matthew D. Beadenkopf, 19, of Fairview Drive struck the guard rail.

Police said there were two other passengers in the car with Beadenkopf. All three fled the scene before police arrived.

Deputy Dennis Jenkins received the call at 4:49 a.m. and responded to the scene at 5:02 a.m.

Police were able to track the registration of the vehicle to Beadenkopf who was found at his residence. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages and leaving the scene of an accident.

A 16-year-old juvenile, who police identified as one of Beadenkopf’s passengers, was medivaced from War Memorial to Winchester Medical Center and is in serious condition, police said.