Dump truck driver charged for ramming police cruisers

GLENARDEN, Md. - Police in Prince George's County, Md. have charged a man with attempted murder after they say he intentionally rammed two police cruisers with a dump truck, narrowly missing two officers who were standing next to the cruisers.

The department said Thursday that 31-year-old Gene Thomas Brandon Jr. of Aquasco has also been charged with assault. CBS DC reports he is being held without bond.

Police say Wednesday morning, Brandon, while driving a dump truck, yelled at two officers talking next to their cruisers in a shopping center parking lot in Glenarden. Officers say Brandon turned the truck around in the parking lot and started driving toward the police cars. The officers jumped to safety.

Authorities say the dump truck crashed into the back of one cruiser, forcing it into the second vehicle. The cruisers were pushed more than 50 feet.

According to CBS DC, police say the suspect has a history of mental illness. Authorities reportedly say the man told detectives he had not been taking his prescribed medication.

On Thursday, police released video of the incident.