Baltimore County Officer Airlifted After Deputy-Involved Shooting: Sheriff

BEL AIR, MD – A man is at shock trauma with serious injuries after he allegedly shot at deputies in a tactical rescue vehicle and they returned fire Thursday afternoon, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

James L. Ward, 42, of the 2000 block of Stratton Court in Bel Air, was airlifted to the University of Shock Trauma Center with injuries that were serious but not believed to be life-threatening, the sheriff's office reported.

Ward is an officer with the Baltimore County Police Department, which issued a statement Thursday that he will be suspended without pay pending felony charges.

Related: Baltimore County Police Chief 'Shocked and Saddened' by Officer's Actions

The tactical vehicle outside Ward's residence was one of several measures officials said they took to secure the area as Harford County officers attempted to negotiate with Ward, who was reportedly suicidal and had been drinking heavily before law enforcement arrived, according to the sheriff's office.

Neighbors were asked to remain in their homes, first responders from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company were at the ready, and school authorities modified dismissal times at nearby schools as a precaution, officials reported.

The incident began at 12:10 p.m. when officers were called to a domestic dispute where Ward had fired several shots inside the Stratton Court home, according to officials, who said that nobody was injured at that time.

As patrol deputies formed a perimeter around the home to ensure the safety of the community, shots were fired within the residence, and deputies requested assistance from the special response and special operations teams, the sheriff's office reported.

Crisis negotiators had been trying to get Ward to surrender peacefully when, at 2:40 p.m., he stopped engaging in phone conversations with them and fired multiple rounds into the tactical rescue vehicle posted outside, authorities reported.

Two deputies taking cover in the vehicle fired at and injured Ward, who came out of the house and was arrested without further incident, according to the sheriff's office.

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company provided first aid, and a Maryland State Police medevac arrived to take Ward to shock trauma, where he was being treated Thursday evening, officials reported.

The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

PREVIOUS REPORT (EXPIRED)

BEL AIR, MD – The Harford County Sheriff's Office is asking citizens near Bright Oaks Drive to stay inside their residences Thursday afternoon due to police activity in the area.

One person was in custody, the sheriff's office reported at 3:15 p.m.

While it was not immediately available what prompted the police activity, the Harford County Sheriff's Office advised that law enforcement presence remained heavy in the area, stating: "Please stay in your residence."

Deputies are working in the vicinity of Bright Oaks Drive, the sheriff's office reported.

Nearby, members of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company are on standby, and several roads are affected by the activity.

Road Closures Are In Effect

After 2 p.m., officials said that Bright Oaks Drive was closed between Rainier Avenue and Royal Oak Drive.

Muir Way was also closed between Bright Oaks Drive and Hunters Run Drive, according to authorities.

Previously, Bright Oaks Drive had been closed between Cabot and Stratton courts.

Around 1:30 p.m., the sheriff's office reported there were no injuries.

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Blocks from police activity, the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company was on standby near Stratton Drive on Thursday, April 21, wearing new protective vests. Photo Credit: Jordan Bosse, Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.