CALIFORNIA, Md. – A troubling incident from California, Maryland, Patrick Clay Murphy Jr., 34, of Bryans Road, Maryland was arrested on July 1, 2024, on charges of driving under the influence and negligent driving. Deputy Sheriff John Gardiner of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call regarding Murphy’s erratic driving behavior with his children in the vehicle.
According to official reports, the call was made by Murphy’s partner, who reported that Murphy was intoxicated and driving their white Jeep with their children inside. The vehicle was being tracked via cellphone, which allowed deputies to locate and stop Murphy on Point Lookout Road after he had rapidly changed lanes multiple times.
Upon being stopped, Murphy exhibited clear signs of intoxication. Deputy Gardiner noted the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and glossy eyes. Murphy admitted to having consumed several alcoholic beverages at a “Jeep event” earlier that day. He agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which he failed, showing lack of smooth pursuit and nystagmus at maximum deviation.
Murphy was subsequently arrested and taken to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. He was issued multiple traffic citations for driving while impaired by alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol, and negligent driving. His blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.174.
Murphy’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this month.
Drunk driving endangers lives and has serious legal consequences. Authorities remind everyone to always drive sober and prioritize safety on the roads.
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