Two deputies, one trooper shot after Cecil County burglary turns violent
On May 7, a Maryland State Trooper and two deputies with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office were shot while responding to a burglary in Cecil County. The accused shooter was identified as Daniel Padraig Colin Donnelly, 23, of Elkton, Maryland – who is now in police custody.
Following his arrest, Donnelly was charged with three counts of attempted first- and second-degree murder, three counts of first- and second-degree assault, first degree burglary, and reckless endangerment. As of earlier this morning, Donnelly was still being processed at the North East Barrack.
Both deputies from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office are currently being treated for their injuries sustained during the incident at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. The trooper was transported to University of Maryland Harford Memorial where he was treated for his injuries and released.
Shortly before midnight this morning, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a neighbor in reference to a burglary in progress at a residence in the unit block of Twin Lakes Drive in Port Deposit. Two Cecil County Sheriff Deputies and one trooper from the North East Barrack responded to the call for service.
During the investigation, a suspect was believed to be inside the home. Four sheriff’s deputies and one trooper responded and entered the residence. The preliminary investigation indicateed that two of the deputies and the trooper entered the backyard of the property when they were hit by shots fired by the suspect. All three were struck.
The suspect fled into a nearby wood line. No shots were fired by the deputies or troopers on the scene.
Additional police responded to the scene and immediately set up a perimeter. Cecil County Department of Emergency Services sent out a reverse 9-1-1 call to alert nearby residents of the police activity.
State Police investigators are obtaining a search warrant for the house where the shooting occurred. A shotgun was recovered from the scene. Multiple agencies responded to assist in the manhunt for the elusive suspect.
Shortly after 4:00 a.m., police received a phone call in reference to a suspicious man at a convenience store located in the 1300 block of Jacob Tome Highway in Port Deposit, approximately ¾ mile from the scene of the shooting. Police were advised he was soliciting customers for a ride.
Troopers from the North East Barrack and members of the Maryland State Police STATE team responded to the scene and made contact with the suspect, later identified as Donnelly. The on-scene investigation indicated his involvement in the shooting. Donnelly was placed in police custody and transported to the North East Barrack.
Both sheriff deputies and the trooper injured during the incident are on administrative leave. The investigation continues into the burglary and shooting remains active.
(Source and Daniel Padraig Colin Donnelly booking photo: Maryland State Police)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
