A jet skier from Anne Arundel County has been charged with attempted murder, after Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) say he struck swimmers at Dobbins Island on the Magothy River with his personal watercraft Sunday night.
28-year-old Joseph B. Ireland, from Glen Burnie, is being held without bond. According to charging documents, he got into an argument with a group of males around 8:00 p.m. Sunday, and punches were thrown on both sides.
That’s when charging documents show Ireland got on his Sea Doo jet ski, circled, and accelerated at the group. Two males were struck, one in the hand and one in the face. Ireland reportedly sped away from Dobbins Island, ran into his parents’ house on the Magothy, and left his jet ski just off the shore nearby.
Police caught up with Ireland at the house, where he admitted to drinking several beers before and during his time at Dobbins Island. According to charging documents, he failed multiple sobriety tests.
Ireland is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, disturbing the peace, drunk driving, speeding, and resisting arrest, among other charges.
NRP is asking for witnesses to the incident to come forward. If you saw anything at Dobbins Island or know anything, please call NRP investigators at 443-699-5297.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
