Two Md. state troopers injured in Beltway chase

WASHINGTON - The man who led police on a high-speed chase Saturday morning that injured at least three people, including two Maryland state troopers, and closed a portion of the Beltway for nearly three hours has been charged with numerous criminal and traffic offenses.

Christopher E. Murphy, 30, of Horsham, Pa. is 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.

Murphy's been taken to the Prince George's County central booking unit before his first court appearance.

Maryland State police say they received multiple reports around 10:30 a.m. about a possible drunk driver in a red Ford Mustang in the College Park area. When officers attempted to pull over the suspect, the vehicle took off leading police on a high speed chase onto the Beltway. The chase reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.

Police say the Murphy rammed the vehicle into a patrol car, causing a chain effect. The patrol vehicle hit another patrol vehicle, which then slammed into a civilian car near the exit for Md. Route 202 on the Outer Loop of the Beltway. As Murphy passed the scene he pumped his fist in the air in apparent delight at causing the accident.

Police caught the suspect in Baltimore County. Murphy lost control of the car when it ran over tire deflation devices used north of the Ft. McHenry Toll Plaza on I-95. He was arrested, but not before his car struck two more police cars.

The two state troopers injured in the chase have been identified as Michael O'Brien and Alphrin Norman. Both troopers are assigned to road patrol duties at the College Park Barracks. The troopers were taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment and released Saturday night.

A motorist also was hurt in the incident and has been identified as Ellen Sistare of Mitchellville, Md. She was treated and released from the Prince George's Hospital Center.

Murphy was the only person in the vehicle and he was taken to Bayview Hospital for an examination.

The accident closed a portion of the Outer Loop of the Beltway for nearly three hours for clean up and the investigation.

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