Crime & Safety
Police Identify Suspect, Officer Who Shot Him Inside Crofton House
Anne Arundel Co. Police say man was carrying realistic-looking air rifle when they forced their way into house worried for mother's safety.
A Crofton man who was shot after reportedly pointing a gun at police was holding a realistic-looking air rifle, authorities said Wednesday as they identified the suspect.
Anne Arundel County Police say Dallas Michael Ruff, 21, of Crofton remains hospitalized in stable condition after he was shot in the abdomen. Ruff has been charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
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Authorities also identified the officer who fired the shot as Lt. Harry Peterson, a 26-year-veteran of the department assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. He remains on routine paid administrative leave.
Officers were asked Saturday afternoon to check on Ruff in the 1700 block of Chamberlain Court in Crofton after he reportedly sent text messages that he was considering harming himself or others in his family. Police were also told Ruff’s mother was in the house and her safety could be at-risk.
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Officers saw the woman’s car in the driveway, but say there was no response when they knocked on windows and doors and announced their presence. That prompted police to forcibly enter the home out of fear that Ruff’s mother may have been harmed.
Two officers entered the home through the front door and Ruff appeared at the top of the steps. Police say he aimed the air rifle at the officers who were in the doorway and Peterson fired.
The suspect was taken to University of Maryland Shock Trauma where he is listed in stable condition Wednesday.
Officers have been to this residence before, however details of why they were called to the house in the past have not been released.
»Photo of the air rifle that Anne Arundel County Police say a Crofton man pointed at officers.
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