Two Dead In State Police Shootout In Salisbury

SALISBURY, MD – Two Salisbury men were shot and killed early Sunday in a shootout, and authorities are working to determine if one of the combatants was killed by shots an off-duty Maryland state trooper fired. The trooper was working security at a Wicomico County restaurant and apparently interrupted an exchange of gunfire between two men, one of whom is believed to have just shot the other.

The dead men have been identified as Michael T. Ward, Jr., 27, and Jaquan M. Griffin, 21, both of Salisbury, according to Maryland State Police. Both were taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead. Officials have not released the names of the troopers involved.

According to the preliminary investigation at about 2 a.m. two Maryland state troopers were off-duty and working security at a restaurant in Salisbury. One of the troopers noticed a large crowd outside on the east end of the parking lot. He was calling the Salisbury Police Department to report the crowd when multiple shots were fired.

At the sound of the shots, the second trooper came out and approached the east end of the parking lot on the side nearest the restaurant. Investigators say the trooper saw a man, later identified as Ward, firing a handgun. The trooper engaged him and Ward reportedly turned in his direction, firing at the trooper as he walked toward him. In fear for his life, the trooper fired at Ward.

Moments later, a man later identified as Griffin staggered into the restaurant from the parking lot and collapsed on the floor. Neither trooper in the parking lot was injured and no injuries were reported by the crowd at the restaurant.

At this time, investigators believe the initial shots on the parking lot occurred when Ward was shooting at Griffin, who may have returned fire. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered beside Ward, while a second semi-automatic handgun was found near Griffin.

It is unknown at this time whether Ward was fatally wounded by the trooper or Griffin. It is believed Griffin was struck by rounds fired by Ward. The bodies of both Ward and Griffin were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsies.

Interviews are being conducted and security camera footage from the restaurant and a nearby hotel is being reviewed. Maryland State Police crime scene technicians are processing the scene for evidence.

The trooper who fired his department-issued Glock .40 caliber pistol is a seven-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. He has been placed on administrative leave, officials said in a release, which is routine whenever a trooper is involved in a shooting.

The Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit is conducting an investigation into the trooper-involved shooting, which is policy whenever a trooper is involved in a deadly force shooting.