A Baltimore police officer died following a multi-vehicle crash on I-695 Saturday morning, according to Maryland State Police.

Officer James Beckham was fatally injured in a crash involving four vehicles on the inner loop of I-695 at Perring Parkway in Baltimore County shortly after 8:00 a.m.

The 31-year-old from Essex was transported to a nearby hospital after units arrived. He was later pronounced dead by medical staff. 

The Baltimore Police Department confirmed Beckham was an active officer in a statement issued Sunday morning. 

"This is a profound and heartbreaking loss for Officer Beckham's family, his colleagues in the Northwest District, for our Department and city," Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. "I have spoken to Officer Beckham's family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. The Department stands with them and offers its deepest condolences and unwavering support."

Fatal crash investigation

An initial investigation revealed that Beckham, the driver and sole occupant of a Nissan Sentra, was driving on the inner loop of I-695 at Perring Parkway before he crashed into the corner of a Toyota C-HR.

The incident led to further collisions involving a Nissan Altima and a Toyota RAV4.

Dante Summer, 26, who was driving the Nissan Altima, was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. His condition is currently unknown. 

The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota C-HR, along with the driver and one passenger of the Toyota RAV4, were left unharmed.

The crash resulted in the closing of all four lanes of I-695 prior to exit 30, MD 41 Perring Parkway, for over three hours. 

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Crash Team were working to determine the cause of the crash.

Recent I-695 incidents

On Thursday night, 28-year-old Faith Tingen Tikum, of Parkville, was killed, and two others were injured in a three-vehicle collision on I-695.

According to police, Tikum was attempting to help the driver of a Toyota, stranded on the side of the road, when a BMW crashed into them. Troopers believe impairment may have been a factor in the incident.

In April, a man, along with two 9-year-old girls, died in a fiery accident after taking off from a traffic stop on I-695 near Greenspring Avenue.

Troopers believe the Jeep lost control, hit an embankment, and then a tree before catching fire after exiting onto the ramp. 

Currently, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is undertaking a 38-mile construction project on I-695, aimed at reducing peak periods of traffic congestion along the beltway by adding a part-time shoulder use (PTSU).

The project is expected to be completed by 2028.