Baltimore County officer, alleged gunman shot in precinct parking lot near UMBC, police say
A Baltimore County officer and an alleged gunman were injured in a shootout Thursday afternoon in the Catonsville precinct parking lot during a shift change, according to police.
Police said the officer, who has been with the department for seven years, was at the end of his shift when he was shot.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said officers in the parking lot exchanged gunfire with the shooter, who was struck.
The Baltimore County officer, who has not been identified, was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma for surgery, and he is in guarded condition.
"We keep (the officer) and his family in our prayers," McCullough said. "We also keep members of the Baltimore County Police Department in our prayers."
McCullough said the alleged gunman walked into the police precinct building on Walker Avenue, near the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) campus, then left and walked around, where he encountered one officer at a gas pump.
McCullough said the suspect fired shots at the officer before engaging in a shootout with other officers, hitting one who was standing outside his vehicle.
The alleged gunman went to the hospital in critical condition after he was shot, officials said.
"I would say that based on what I know about this, it was very clear that this was premeditated," McCullough said. "We continue to investigate this and look into it even further to find out exactly what motivated this individual to do what they did today."
Students at nearby UMBC were told by campus officials to stay away from the police investigation on Walker Avenue.
"Today has been a very unusual day for me, and a dark day, but I just want to say that all of you keep the family and the officer in their prayers, and thank all of the officers here for their support," said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.
The officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, per protocol, and charges against the suspect are pending, officials said.
Swift action
Police Chief McCullough credited the Baltimore County Fire Department for its swift work in transporting the officer to the hospital.
He said the fire department responded within minutes and quickly took the officer to Shock Trauma, where he went right into surgery.
"Fire responded and were transporting the officer within four minutes," McCullough said. "That's how fast they got there, that's how fast they transported our officer. I want to extend our appreciation to our fire department because they are excellent partners and we really appreciate them and everything they do."
Enhancing security
McCullough said the alleged gunman walked into the police precinct's lobby before walking out and shooting the county police officer.
The police chief acknowledged that while the lobby, a public place, has certain security measures, it doesn't "prevent somebody from walking on the grounds and they are armed."
He said the Wilkens Precinct will be getting a new building with enhanced security.
"I look at capital projects in terms of making the workplace safe, we usually focus on the equipment of the officer and everything they have going out to the street, but we also need to focus on the workplace and the facilities," McCullough said. "As the chief of police, it just makes it important for us to make sure we are enhancing the security of our facilities as we move forward."
