$50,000 lottery prize claimed just days before expiration
Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A Maryland man won a $50,000 prize from a Pick 5 lottery drawing, but he ended up claiming his prize less than a week before it would have expired.
The Prince George's County man told Maryland Lottery officials he made his usual stop at the 2 Go Convenience and Deli in Savage to buy tickets for the Pick 4 and Pick 5 drawings in August.
One of his Pick 5 tickets turned out to be a $50,000 winner in the Aug. 21 drawing.
"I got the print out from a local store and checked the tickets when I got home," he said. "When I saw my numbers, I just couldn't believe it."
The player said he decided not to claim his prize right away.
"I just wanted to hold on to it," he said. "But, I'll tell you I sure was excited about it."
The man ended up claiming his prize with mere days left on the 182-day deadline this month.
"He didn't even tell me until yesterday," the winner's wife said. "I was shocked he had that winning ticket this whole time."
The man said his plans for his winnings include home improvements, a gift for his wife and possibly a new car.
