MD Man Charged With Murder After Struggle With VA Officer: Police

WINTERGREEN, VA — A Maryland man faces several charges following the fatal shooting of a police officer Friday in Virginia, authorities announced Monday.

Daniel Barmak, of Towson, was charged with capital murder, two felony counts of malicious wounding, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in the death of Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II in Wintergreen, Virginia. Officials placed Barmak, 23, in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

Wintergreen police responded Friday night to a report that Barmak was assaulting two other men at a home where they were staying, according to Virginia State Police. After calling police, both injured men ran away.

Wagner arrived and found Barmak in the woods, State Police said. During a struggle over Wagner's department-issued handgun, Barmak shot and killed the officer, according to authorities.

Barmak was also shot during the altercation, State Police said. He and the two men he was accused of assaulting were treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Wagner, 31, joined the Wintergreen Police Department in August 2020, according to Police Chief Dennis Russell.

"Chris was dedicated to his job and whenever called for extra duty he was ready, willing and able," Russell said. "His love for the badge was evident and his commitment to the community was undeniable."

Wintergreen is about 100 miles west of Richmond, Virginia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.