Man used lousy driver's license plate to win $500K in lottery

Posted: January 7, 2025, 05:48 pm.

Last updated: 7 January 2025, 05:48 PM.

A motorist who collided with another car on a Maryland highway used that other auto's license plate number to win a lottery later the same day. The result is that Anne Arundel County, MD won $500K late last month.

The story begins when he was driving back to his residence on the highway after a trip out of the city. He narrowly escaped being hit by his car.

The unnamed driver memorized the license plate numbers of the other car.

stop at the liquor store

Rather than remain angry at the rude motorist, later that day he decided to visit a liquor store, identified as Doc's F&B Liquors in Glen Burnie, MD.

While there, he purchased 10 “Pick 5” game tickets, according to a Maryland Lottery statement released Friday.

“The person played the numbers for $1 straight and drew 10 identical but different tickets,” the lottery's statement said.

I think if you're going to play, you should play big,” he later explained to lottery officials.

Instead of immediately checking his numbers, he went back to his residence and slept. After all, it was a trying day.

The next morning, he finally checked to see if he had the winning numbers.

“I scanned the tickets using a lottery app on the phone,” the man recalled.

He immediately realized he had won $500K. He started smiling. The lucky winner immediately alerted his mother about the payment. According to lottery officials, she was also happy with the news.

Will pay bills, invest

What will he do with his newfound wealth?

He told lottery employees that he would split the jackpot between paying current bills and saving for the future by investing.

He also told lottery officials that he had occasionally played “Pick 5” before winning the $500K.

Because the liquor store sold the winning ticket, Doc's F&B Liquors will receive a $5K bonus from the Maryland Lottery. The store sells beer, wine and spirits. It is located in Burwood Village Centre.

No word if the lottery player alerted Maryland State Police about being hit by another driver. After all, he could have given state troopers the vehicle's license plate number. But he learned a lesson from the experience.

When driving on the highway, you are expected to follow the rules of the road and be courteous to other drivers. However, this is not always the case,” the Maryland Lottery statement said.