Police say a Burlington man tried to "run down" Salem Police Capt. Brian Gilligan and caused damage to three vehicles, including a police cruiser, after an attempted vehicle stop early Thursday.

Edward Cherane Capel, 24, of 2 Pinville Ave. in Burlington was arrested on charges of attempted murder, assault and battery by a dangerous weapon (a motorcycle), speeding, operating recklessly, operating with a suspended license, resisting arrest, violation of the city knife ordinance and assault and battery on a police officer.

At 12:35 a.m. Thursday, police said Capel failed to stop his Kawasaki motorcycle on Palmer Street when ordered to do so by police. 

Police said Capel "attempted to flee the area" by passing the police cruiser, which was stopped in the street, on the right. Capel then crashed into the right front fender and tire of the vehicle operated by Gilligan, according to Salem Police.

Then, the motorcycle crashed into the driver's side of another parked vehicle, which damaged the driver's side door fender, bumper and lower rocker panel, police said. 

After the crash, Capel tried to flee on foot, according to police. Another car "across the street received damage to the outside rear view mirror when it was struck by Capel's helmet as he attempted to flee the area on foot," police said. 

Police said Capel was charged with attempted murder when he tried "to run down Capt. Brian Gilligan when he tried to stop Capel from fleeing" during the incident.