Severn Man Driving 100 MPH Crashes Car With Child Inside: Police

A Severn man was reportedly driving his car at 100 mph on Interstate 97 when he fled state police, crashed and left an injured boy inside the vehicle, authorities say.

Just after 11 a.m. Saturday, a Maryland state trooper was passed by a 2002 Saturn estimated to be traveling at about 100 mph. The trooper activated his emergency lights, but the driver did not stop and got off the interstate at Route 176. The Saturn ran through a red light at Rt. 648 and crossed onto Eighth Avenue. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it struck a tree.

The vehicle’s passenger, David C. Vance, 12, of Severn, was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Maryland State Police.

The child is the son of the girlfriend of the car’s driver -- Gary S. Eldridge Jr., 22, of Severn, state police say.

Police say Eldridge fled the crash site on foot. When he was located by police, Eldridge complained of minor injuries from the crash and was treated at Baltimore Washington Medical Center.

Charges are pending at this time. State Police will review their investigation with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office before charges are filed.

The preliminary investigation indicates Eldridge’s driver’s license is suspended. The car apparently belongs to a friend of Eldridge.

The investigation is continuing, authorities say.