2 Deputies Killed in Abingdon Shooting, Suspect Dead

ABINGDON, MD — Two deputies have died from their injuries after a gunman shot them in Abingdon mid-day Wednesday, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was killed by deputies a short distance away.

“Today is a sad day for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Harford County,” Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said at a press conference Wednesday evening.

One of the officers was a 30-year veteran with the court services division, while the other served for 16 years in the community services division, according to Gahler. Their names are not yet being released, pending notification of their extended families.

The circumstances leading to the shootings remain under investigation, but Gahler provided preliminary details.

Deputies were called to Panera Bread in the 3400 block of Merchant Boulevard at 11:46 a.m. after someone tipped off authorities that a wanted individual—David Brian Evans, 68—was at the restaurant, according to Gahler.

Evans had at least two warrants for his arrest, one in Florida for assaulting a police officer and eluding arrest, and a civil writ through the Harford County Circuit Court, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

The deputies had “dealings with him in the past,” Gahler said.

When Evans saw law enforcement in the back side of the Panera, the gunfight began.

“Within seconds, as I understand it, the first shot was fired by the suspect into the deputy that now has taken the deputy’s life,” Gahler said.

“The suspect took that action because he was wearing a police uniform,” Gahler said. “He certainly targeted them.”

A second officer who attempted to make contact with the suspect was also shot.

Sheriff Identifies 2 Deputies Killed in Line of Duty

Evans was killed during an exchange of gunfire with additional deputies a short distance away.

Governor: ‘I Am Heartbroken’ by Abingdon Shootings

First responders arrived immediately, and one deputy was flown to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, while the other was transported to Upper Chesapeake, according to Gahler.

“It is with great sadness that I tell you both deputies who were shot earlier today succumbed to their injuries,” Gahler reported at a press conference after 5 p.m Wednesday. He said each deputy was pronounced deceased at his respective hospital.

The sheriff described the officers who died as “fallen heroes” and “two outstanding deputies who served the citizens of this county faithfully.” He said he knew both of them ”very well,” including from his policing days before becoming sheriff. Said Gahler: “We go back a long way.”

At least two surviving deputies who fired rounds at Evans are on administrative leave pending an investigation, as is standard procedure.

“Evidence from multiple crime scenes is currently being processed,” Gahler said.

Gahler added that “as tragic as it is that we lost two deputies,” he was thankful nobody else was hurt during a busy lunch hour.

The next update from the sheriff’s office is expected Thursday morning.

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