Rampage In Dundalk Nets 18 Charges

DUNDALK, MD — What began with threats toward a Dundalk homeowner ended with a broken window, six-car collision and 18 charges against one man, according to police. Authorities said two of the vehicles hit were police cars.

The violent incident began at a residence in the 400 block of Westfield Road in Dundalk, where authorities said they were called for a reported disturbance before 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 28.

Stephen Joseph Michael Bernadyn, 24, of the 5100 block of Wright Avenue in the Armistead Gardens area, faces 18 charges ranging from first-degree assault to burglary to property damage.

Police said Bernadyn went into the backyard of the Westfield Road residence, yelling for and threatening the homeowner.

While it was unclear what his relationship was with the residents, police told WBAL it appeared to be "some kind of domestic situation."

After destroying property inside the yard, he allegedly hurled a fire pit through the kitchen window, put his head through the broken window and yelled into the house that he planned to hurt the homeowner.

Authorities said Bernadyn left the immediate area before police arrived but while they were conducting their investigation, they saw his 2012 Chevrolet Colorado turning onto Westfield Road from Plainfield Road.

Three officers standing by their cars on Westfield Road noticed the truck accelerating toward them and ran to avoid being hit, according to authorities, who said he hit one police car and forced it into another police car.

None of the officers was injured, police said.

Bernadyn continued driving, hitting another four cars parked on Westfield Road, and then tried to get away but his truck was no longer able to move, police said, and he was arrested.

Officials said the first police car that was hit was towed from the scene.

Bernadyn has been charged with the following offenses:

• Three counts of first-degree assault
• Three counts of second-degree assault
• Seven counts of malicious destruction of property
• Burglary
• Three counts of reckless endangerment

He is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections and is slated to appear for a preliminary hearing in Baltimore County District Court on Aug. 24.

Photo of Stephen Joseph Michael Bernadyn courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.