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GLENARDEN, Md. - Authorities say the driver who led a police chase from Prince George's County to Baltimore County that sent three people to the hospital Saturday morning faces multiple charges, including attempted murder.
Thirty-year-old Christopher E. Murphy of Horsham, Pa. has been charged with attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, first and second degree assault, second degree assault on a law enforcement officer, malicious destruction of property, and numerous traffic charges.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. Saturday on the outer loop of the Capital Beltway. Authorities say two Maryland State Police troopers, identified as Trooper Michael O'Brien and Trooper Alphrin Norman, were flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Both are listed in stable condition.
An adult female motorist identified as Ellen Sistare of Mitchellville, Md., is being treated at the Prince George's Hospital Center.
"I was in my house and I heard a loud crash," said Rogers Massey, a witness. "Well I don't know how many people are injured or dead so it's really sad. It's bad out here."
Police say it all began around 10:30 a.m. when officers tried to pull over a possible drunk driver near College Park. The man took off, with one witness clocking him at 120 mph. Witnesses say the fleeing driver struck one police cruiser which hit a second police cruiser and then a civilian car. One police cruiser flipped, while the other flew up into an embankment.
"It could have been me," said Nancy Harris, a Glenarden resident. "I use this Beltway often."
The driver continued to flee behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang. Murphy was eventually caught by police in Baltimore County.
A motive for Murphy's actions remains unclear at this time. The investigation is continuing.
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