Harford Man 'Lucky' To Be Charged With Attempted Murder: Prosecutor

BEL AIR, MD — A judge denied bail for the Edgewood man accused of hitting a deputy this week and leading officers on a high-speed chase through Harford County. He faces a slew of charges, including attempted murder and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Martin Tyson Bradley, 34, of the 1900 block of Edgewater Drive, appeared by video in the Harford County District Court Thursday afternoon for a bail review hearing.

Despite a plea from his public defender that Bradley was not a flight risk and was trying to get his affairs in order before serving a prison sentence in another case, he was ordered held without bail.

It "does not make any sense to release him," Judge David Carey said Thursday, noting the events that unfolded earlier this week.

Bradley was in the area of Eloise Lane before 7 p.m. on Tuesday when officers were investigating a reported fight in the area.

As deputies were speaking with witnesses, charging documents said a white 2012 Dodge Avenger with a temporary West Virginia tag accelerated at one deputy and "caused his legs to be pinned" between it and another vehicle.

The driver, later identified as Bradley, left the scene and took officers on a "high-speed chase" onto US 40, MD 24 and I-95 before crashing into two other vehicles at the Maryland House, according to authorities.

Bradley — who was accused of driving on the shoulder, going the wrong way on US 40, speeding and failing to stop — was charged with more than 20 traffic violations, court records show.

He was also charged with these crimes:

• Attempted second-degree murder
• First-degree assault
• Assault on a police officer
• Two counts of second-degree assault
• Reckless endangerment

Bradley's public defender said intoxication was a factor, and she hoped the charges would be amended. Charging documents show he was unconscious and required two doses of Narcan before he was taken to the hospital.

Bradley was to report to the Department of Corrections Oct. 22 after pleading guilty to drug distribution. He was sentenced to 18 months on Sept. 23, and was given a month to "get his family life in order" before reporting to jail, his attorney said.

Judge Kevin Mahoney allowed him to be released, according to court documents.

Bradley has a 14-year-old daughter who attends Edgewood High School; he has lived in Harford County for 13 years; and he works at the Kohl's distribution facility, his attorney said, indicating he would not be a flight risk. He was also collecting Social Security money and trying to make that available to his family during his jail time, she said.

Another judge had "very graciously" allowed for his release, Carey said Thursday. The case that unfolded this week "shows why that should not be done," Carey said.

Prosecutors described Bradley as a "very dangerous individual" and said he was "very lucky" that he did not get charged with attempted first-degree murder.

See Also: Driver Who Pinned Deputy Charged With Attempted Murder: Sheriff