Two Harford County Sheriff's Deputies Die Serving Warrant

from The Dagger

Two Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies were fatally shot Wednesday morning in an incident at the Boulevard at Box Hill shopping center in Abingdon and at a nearby location, police said.

Also killed was the suspect in the shooting death of the deputies, a 67-year-old man wanted on outstanding warrants in Maryland and Florida.

The two deputies’ names had not been released Wednesday evening pending further notification of their families. They were identified by the Sheriff’s Office as a 30-year veteran of the agency’s Court Services division, and a 16-year veteran of its Community Services Division.

The suspect in the shootings was identified as David Brian Evans, 67. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Evans was wanted on a criminal warrant in Florida for assaulting a police officer and fleeing and eluding custody, and in Harford County on a Circuit Court civil writ.

According to Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, a Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the Panera Bread in the Boulevard at Box Hill at 11:46 a.m. The deputy was at the scene specifically to contact Evans regarding the Harford County warrant, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Cristie Kahler said; aware of the warrant against him, Evans targeted the deputy as he approached. Evans shot the deputy and fled the scene toward the Park View at Box Hill, a senior apartment complex.

Witnesses pointed out the direction Evans fled to other responding officers. Evans was confronted a short distance from the shopping center by a second Sheriff’s Office deputy, whom he also shot. Evans was subsequently shot and killed by other Sheriff’s Office deputies.

One deputy was flown to the R Adams Cowley University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, while the other was transported to the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, at least two deputies fired at the suspect; per protocol, both have been placed on administrative leave ahead of an investigation. A loaded handgun was found on Evans’ person.

The restaurant was full at the time of the shooting, but no other injuries were reported either at the restaurant or the site of the second shooting. Gahler said authorities are “not looking for anyone else” and there was “no threat to the community” following the incident, which he said took place over the span of about 15 minutes.

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman has ordered the Flag of Harford County to be flown at half-staff effective immediately in honor of the two Harford County sheriff’s deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice today in the line of duty.

County Executive Glassman also issued the following statement:

“Today was a terrible reminder that the men and women in law enforcement risk their lives on every call. We had an opportunity to visit the families to share our condolences on behalf of the citizens of Harford County. We know that both families face trying times ahead and we pray for their healing and comfort. As we grieve together in the spirit of community, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of these two fallen heroes.”

In a statement, Governor Larry Hogan responded to news of the shootings.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the violence that took place this morning in Abingdon involving deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office,” Hogan wrote. “The Maryland State Police are working closely with local law enforcement to provide support as needed. The First Lady and I send our sincere prayers to all the law enforcement and the first responders involved in this incident.”

Responding to concerns from friends and family of their employees and customers, Wegmans tweeted that the shooting did not take place inside or in front of their store.

“Our hearts go out to those involved in shooting on property near our Abingdon MD store,” the company wrote. “Family of customers/employees: it was not @Wegmans.”