BODY RECOVERED FROM PATAPSCO RIVER

(Baltimore, MD) - Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a Montgomery County man, whose body was discovered in the Patapsco River, after his vehicle was left abandoned on an Interstate 70 bridge in Baltimore County this morning.

The deceased is identified as Peter John Wilkinson, 49, of the unit block of Gregg Court, Brookville, Maryland. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m., troopers assigned to the Golden Ring and Waterloo Barracks responded to the westbound I-70 bridge located at the Baltimore/Howard County line for a red Volkswagen stopped partially in the right lane. Arriving troopers came upon the vehicle stopped on the bridge, with its four-way flashers activated. The vehicle appeared to be disabled. Concerned for the driver’s well-being, troopers canvassed the area when they observed the body of a man lying in the river below.

Several witnesses stopped and advised troopers they observed Wilkinson jump from the bridge. At this time, foul play is not suspected. The investigation is being conducted by members of the Golden Ring Barrack Criminal Investigation Section, with assistance of the State Police Evidence Collection Unit.

Personnel from the State Highway Administration responded to assist with lane closures. The right two lanes were closed during the initial stages of the investigation. All lanes were reopened for travel shortly after 1:00 p.m.