CATONSVILLE, MD - On Thursday, March 13th, a Baltimore County police officer was shot at the Wilkens Precinct and remains in "guarded" condition, as reported by officials.
According to WBALTV, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said that the officer underwent surgery. Since the surgery, Interim Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said that the officer is resting. Shock Trauma Physician-in-Chief Dr. Thomas Scalea said that the officer will remain in a recovery room under very close observation.
McCullough said that the initial investigation shows clear signs that the shooting was premeditated and that they are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the shooting. The alleged shooter walked inside the Wilkens Precinct around 2:30 p.m. before shooting the officer outside.
CBS News reported that McCullough said, "I would say that based on what I know about this, it was very clear that this was premeditated. We continue to investigate this and look into it even further to find out exactly what motivated this individual to do what they did today."
McCullough said that the suspect is in "critical condition" after officers returned fire, striking him in the lower part of his body. Rescue crews treated the officer in the precinct's parking lot before taking them to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
The suspect has a "limited criminal record" and the officer that was shot is a police veteran of about six years. Maryland State Police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are also investigating. McCullough said in a statement, "When you show up to work and you're walking through the parking lot or wherever ... you don't have in your mind that your life is going to be in danger at that moment.
And, clearly, their lives were in danger in that moment. But it also emphasizes the importance that as police officers we have a dangerous job ... but we have to be careful at all times." Klausmeier said, "Today has been a very unusual day for me, and a dark day, but I just want to say that all of you keep the family and the officer in their prayers, and thank all of the officers here for their support."
McCullough credited the Baltimore County Fire Department for its swift work in transporting the officer to the hospital. He said they responded within minutes and quickly took te officer to the hospital, where he went right into surgery. He said, "Fire responded and were transporting the officer within four minutes. That's how fast they got there, that's how fast they transported our officer.
I want to extend our appreciation to our fire department because they are excellent partners and we really appreciate them and everything they do."
The chief said the Wilkens Precinct will be getting a new building with enhanced security. He acknowledged that while the lobby has certain security measures, it does not "prevent somebody from walking on the grounds and they are armed."
He said, "I look at capital projects in terms of making the workplace safe, we usually focus on the equipment of the officer and everything they have going out to the street, but we also need to focus on the workplace and the facilities. As the chief of police, it just makes it important for us to make sure we are enhancing the security of our facilities as we move forward."
According to WBALTV, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said that the officer underwent surgery. Since the surgery, Interim Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said that the officer is resting. Shock Trauma Physician-in-Chief Dr. Thomas Scalea said that the officer will remain in a recovery room under very close observation.
McCullough said that the initial investigation shows clear signs that the shooting was premeditated and that they are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the shooting. The alleged shooter walked inside the Wilkens Precinct around 2:30 p.m. before shooting the officer outside.
CBS News reported that McCullough said, "I would say that based on what I know about this, it was very clear that this was premeditated. We continue to investigate this and look into it even further to find out exactly what motivated this individual to do what they did today."
McCullough said that the suspect is in "critical condition" after officers returned fire, striking him in the lower part of his body. Rescue crews treated the officer in the precinct's parking lot before taking them to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
The suspect has a "limited criminal record" and the officer that was shot is a police veteran of about six years. Maryland State Police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are also investigating. McCullough said in a statement, "When you show up to work and you're walking through the parking lot or wherever ... you don't have in your mind that your life is going to be in danger at that moment.
And, clearly, their lives were in danger in that moment. But it also emphasizes the importance that as police officers we have a dangerous job ... but we have to be careful at all times." Klausmeier said, "Today has been a very unusual day for me, and a dark day, but I just want to say that all of you keep the family and the officer in their prayers, and thank all of the officers here for their support."
McCullough credited the Baltimore County Fire Department for its swift work in transporting the officer to the hospital. He said they responded within minutes and quickly took te officer to the hospital, where he went right into surgery. He said, "Fire responded and were transporting the officer within four minutes. That's how fast they got there, that's how fast they transported our officer.
I want to extend our appreciation to our fire department because they are excellent partners and we really appreciate them and everything they do."
The chief said the Wilkens Precinct will be getting a new building with enhanced security. He acknowledged that while the lobby has certain security measures, it does not "prevent somebody from walking on the grounds and they are armed."
He said, "I look at capital projects in terms of making the workplace safe, we usually focus on the equipment of the officer and everything they have going out to the street, but we also need to focus on the workplace and the facilities. As the chief of police, it just makes it important for us to make sure we are enhancing the security of our facilities as we move forward."
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