image description

George Street Hit & Run Leads to Drug Arrests

January 10th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

On Saturday, at approximately 12:30am, Cumberland City Police responded to the area of a George Street business for a reported hit and run, where the suspect had fled the scene.

A witness to the incident was able to provide officers with identifying information for the suspect vehicle, and officers were able to locate the vehicle on East Industrial Boulevard. Officers observed a driving pattern that indicated an impaired driver and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Officers were able to speak with the operator, William Patrick Murray III, and passenger Amber Elaine Bittinger.

Officers observed signs of impairment and requested him to perform Standardized Field Sobriety, which was performed unsatisfactorily, and Murray was placed under arrest. Officers additionally observed items used as paraphernalia for controlled dangerous substances inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and numerous items of paraphernalia were located, and

Bittinger was placed under arrest. Murray was released on citations pending his trial at District Court, and Bittinger was taken before a District Court Commissioner where she was released on her own recognizance.

 

Arrest: William Patrick Murray III, age 58, Oakland Maryland.

 

Charges: Numerous Hit and Run Citations, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Driving While Impaired by Drugs, Driving Suspended.

 

Arrest: Amber Elaine Bittinger, age 31, Oakland Maryland.

 

Charges: Two Counts of Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Paraphernalia.