Summary of State v. Jones, 311 Md. 23 (1987)

Facts: Victim claimed that D (state trooper) sexually assaulted her and then her and her friend chased the trooper who left at a high rate of speed.  Prosecution’s witness, another officer, testified that he heard on police radio statements made by some unknown truckers about how the a police car was going at a high rate of speed without its headlight on and how a small car was chasing it.  Trial Court admitted these statements under present sense impressions exception.  D claims that since statements not corroborated, shouldn’t have been admitted.

Issue:  Is corroboration required under present sense impression exception?

Holding: No

Rationale:  A statement is admissible under the present sense impressions exception if the statement is describing an event, occurs shortly after the event takes place, and is based on declarant’s personal knowledge of the event.  Therefore, the statements of the unknown declarants in this case were admissible without corroboration.