Warning On Unauthorized GoFundMe Accounts For Wounded Officers

MILLERSVILLE, MD — Online GoFundMe accounts started in the name of two Anne Arundel County Police detectives shot while trying to apprehend a murder suspect were not authorized by the victims, officials said Saturday.

The department said several online fundraiser pages not sanctioned by the officers or their families have been started for Detective Scott Ballard and Detective Ian Preece. The men were shot Thursday night as they pursued a Pasadena man charged with killing a Glen Burnie man.

"We want the public to know that the families of our two injured detectives have not authorized any of these efforts, nor has the Anne Arundel County Police Department," a statement said. "Furthermore, if the families request any such support, the Anne Arundel County Police Department will publicize it through our website and social media channels. We want to thank the public for their continued outpouring of support during these difficult times."

On Friday, Joseph Robert Mitchell Willis, 22, of Pasadena was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Christopher Lawrence Jones, 44, of Glen Burnie. Willis is also charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shootings of the detectives.

According to police, Willis had been staying with Jones. When officers investigating Jones' murder discovered that his vehicle was missing, they sought help from the fugitive apprehension team and Homeland Security and Intelligence to help locate it, said Anne Arundel County Sgt. Jacklyn Davis. At 11 p.m. Thursday, detectives spotted Jones' vehicle in Baltimore City on the eastern county line.

When detectives tried to stop the vehicle, Ballard was shot by Willis, who was in the vehicle. Ballard drove himself to a nearby convenience store to ask for help. Preece saw his partner get shot and continued to pursue Willis, who fled to the Orchard Beach/Stoney Beach communities. Preece was shot by Willis, who then ran away.

About 50 police officers with canines searched until Friday afternoon to find Willis. Schools were closed in the area as the manhunt unfolded. Both injured officers are said to be in stable condition at the same area hospital.