Dundalk Woman's Attempted Killer is Policeman, Say Officials

DUNDALK, MD — Authorities have charged a Department of Veterans Affairs police officer with attempted murder after he allegedly broke into his estranged girlfriend's Dundalk home and shot her, officials said. The girlfriend hospitalized and is expected to survive, according to a statement from the Baltimore County Police Department.

Gary Martin Patterson Sr., 50, of the 4000 block of Berlin Avenue in Brooklyn, faces two charges of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, home invasion, using a handgun to commit a felony and having a handgun on his person, court records show.

Police said that before 1 p.m. on Sunday, Patterson — who is employed as a police officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs — broke a front window to get into his estranged girlfriend's home in the 4000 block of St. Monica Drive, where he then shot the 39-year-old woman several times.

After the shooting, officials allege that Patterson fought with a second person, and that individual was able to get the gun from him.

When police arrived, Patterson was reportedly outside the home and was treated for injuries he received during the fight.

Patterson was being at the Baltimore County Detention Center without bail. There is a preliminary hearing in his case on Oct. 14 in Baltimore County Circuit Court.

Photo of Patterson courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.