DUI Checkpoints & Crime on the Road, Sobriety Checkpoints

(Church Hill, MD) – A Delaware man wanted by police was fatally wounded by police early this morning after he drove the wrong way for about 25 miles on highways in Queen Anne’s County and, when finally stopped, refused to surrender and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at police.

The deceased is identified as Christopher D. Hale, 37, of the 12000-block of Line Road, Delmar, Delaware.  Hale was wanted by Anne Arundel County authorities for second degree escape, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, and hindering a police officer.

At about 5:30 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Centreville Barracks and Maryland Transportation Authority Police both received 9-1-1 calls from motorists reporting a car traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes on Rt. 50 approaching Kent Narrows.

Trooper First Class Nathaniel L. Vansant, headed westbound on Rt. 50 to the area.  Minutes later, TFC Vansant spotted the vehicle headed directly towards him.  At the same time, Officer Brian Jordan, of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, was traveling eastbound on Rt. 50 and saw the vehicle headed directly toward the State Police patrol car.

TFC Vansant swerved out of the path of the oncoming car, then turned eastbound on Rt. 50 and began a shadow pursuit of the car, along with Officer Jordan.  Other troopers and deputies from the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit.  Maryland State Police helicopter, Trooper 6, was launched from Centreville and engaged in the pursuit from overhead.

The pursuit continued east on Rt. 50 and police deployed stop sticks at the Rt. 301 split, which were avoided by the suspect.  The suspect continued to drive northbound on Rt. 301 in the southbound lanes.  The suspect called 9-1-1 several times during the pursuit.  During one call, the State Police duty officer repeatedly told him to pull over and surrender, but Hale told him he ‘could not stop’ and that ‘he did not want to die.’

Troopers again deployed stop sticks on Rt. 301 near the Welcome Center.  Hale’s vehicle struck the stop sticks and all four tires were punctured.

Hale continued northbound on Rt. 301 to Rt. 300 where he headed west, approaching Church Hill.  About one mile down Rt. 300, Hale turned right onto John Powell Road.  His car came to rest in a ditch on the right side of the rural road, with woods bordering both sides.

Trooper 6 hovered overhead and lit the area with its 30 million candlepower spotlight.  Four troopers and an MdTA Police officer approached the rear of the 2009 Subaru Impreza.  One of the four troopers approached the front passenger window and shone his flashlight into the car.  He ordered Hale to show his hands and surrender.

Instead of complying, Hale turned toward the trooper and pointed a black handgun at him.  The trooper yelled ‘gun’ to the other police officers on the scene and took cover.

In fear for their lives and the life of the trooper who approached the car, three troopers and a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer fired their agency issued weapons at Hale.  Hale was struck in the upper torso.  The suspect was incapacitated and troopers approached and provided emergency care.  Trooper 6 landed next to the scene and the flight paramedic provided additional assistance.  The flight paramedic then pronounced Hale dead at the scene.

The three Maryland State Police troopers who fired their department issued .40 caliber Beretta pistols are identified as Trooper First Class Nathaniel L. Vansant, a four-year-veteran, Trooper First Class John V. Hickey, a ten-year-veteran, and Trooper James M. Pettit, a two-year veteran.  The troopers have been placed on administrative leave which is routine during the investigations of police involved shootings.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer who fired his department issued .40 caliber Glock pistol is identified as Officer Brian R. Jordan.  Officer Jordan is an eight year veteran of the MdTA Police.  He has been placed on routine administrative leave by his department.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators and detectives from the MdTA Police responded to conduct the investigation.  The Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit and the MdTA Police Internal Affairs Unit also responded and are conducting administrative investigations.  Queen Anne County State’s Attorney Lance Richardson came to the scene and consulted with investigators.

Maryland State Police crime scene technicians responded to process the scene.  The gun held by Hale was recovered in the car.  Upon further examination, the gun was determined to be a Crossman BB gun.  The gun was a replica of a semi-automatic pistol.

The car driven by Hale was determined to be a rental vehicle owned by Hertz.  The car was due to have been returned to Hertz on October 24th.

Even though westbound traffic was moderate at the time the incident began, no vehicles were struck during the 25-mile pursuit.

CONTACT:      Greg Shipley
Office of Media Communications & Marketing
410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)
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