Man arrested for drunk driving and negligent driving with children in the vehicle

CALIFORNIA, Maryland. – A disturbing incident from California, Maryland: Patrick Clay Murphy Jr., 34, of Bryans Road, Maryland, was arrested on July 1, 2024 for driving under the influence and careless driving. Deputy Sheriff John Gardiner of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 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 stated that Murphy was drunk and driving her white Jeep with the children inside. The vehicle was tracked by cell phone, which allowed officers to locate and stop Murphy on Point Lookout Road after he made several rapid lane changes.

When Murphy was pulled over, he showed clear signs of intoxication. Deputy Gardiner noticed the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and shiny eyes. Murphy admitted to consuming several alcoholic beverages earlier in the day at a “jeep event.” He agreed to take standardized field sobriety tests, but failed, showing no steady pursuit and nystagmus at maximum deviation.

Murphy was subsequently arrested and taken to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. He received multiple traffic tickets for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, and careless driving. His blood alcohol content was reported at .174.

Murphy’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this month.

Drunk driving puts lives at risk and has serious legal consequences. Authorities remind everyone to always drive sober and put safety on the roads first.

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