(Fallston, MD) – A man who threatened relatives after breaking into their Harford County home early this morning was fatally wounded by a state trooper when he violently assaulted the three responding police officers and attempted to gain control of a deputy’s gun.
The deceased man is identified as John M. Abbate, 52, of the100-block of Fidelity Drive, Fallston, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be taken to the Office of the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
Shortly after 4:30 a.m. today, a Harford County 9-1-1 call was received from the home of Randall G. Willis, 51, in the 2700-block of Lakeland Drive, Fallston. Willis reported that Abbate, who was married to his sister, had broken into his house and was being violent. While police were on their way, Abbate allegedly threatened to kill Willis’ wife and said he could get a gun from his vehicle.
The preliminary investigation indicates two Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies and one state trooper from the Bel Air Barracks responded to the call. They confronted Abbate inside the home and ordered him to take his hand out of his pocket. Abbate, who was described as being about 6 feet tall and about 300 pounds, refused all commands from police and lunged at the deputies.
A violent struggle ensued that involved all three police officers. Deputies used a Taser twice, but it had no effect on Abbate, who reportedly pulled the Taser prongs from his body. The trooper used an expandable baton, which also had no effect.
When Abbate attempted to choke one of deputies, the trooper and second deputy both attempted to intervene. Abbate threw both police officers off and reportedly picked up the trooper and slammed him onto a computer table.
Abbate continued to assault the deputy and attempted to pull the deputy’s gun from its holster. In fear for the life of the deputy and the lives of all three officers if Abbate gained control of the gun, the trooper fired his Department issued Beretta Px4 Storm .40 caliber pistol. Abbate was fatally wounded.
Investigators have not verified a clear motive for Abbate’s actions at this time. Information has been obtained indicating he was having domestic problems.
The trooper is identified as Trooper First Class Sean Harris, 27, who is assigned to road patrol duties at the Bel Air Barracks. TFC Harris has been a trooper for 6.5 years.
He was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for injuries to his arms and legs. He was released and will be recuperating at home. TFC Harris will be on administrative leave, which is procedure after a police involved shooting.
One of the two deputies was also taken to an area hospital. He was treated for back and neck injuries.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit is also conducting an administrative investigation which is procedure in police-involved shootings.
4 comments:
Good job TFC Harris!!
More officers need to be a good officer like him. Good luck to you and I hope it doesn't affect your health. My prayers are with you and the family of the deceased.
holy sh*t the guy pulled the tasers out of himself? still, I'm surprised three officers couldn't just beat the guy up, even if he is 300 pounds.
Also, just because the report says the guy went for the officer's gun doesn't mean it's true. just food for thought.
2:10 -- Just food for thought? Are you kidding me? These men put their lives on the line. They don't have time to second guess whether the man beating them up is trying to get the gun or not. Dumbass.
The guy was probably on drugs if he was able to get past a taser and batton.
The other thing to consider is, this officer is only 27 years old. He's going to have to live with the fact that he killed somone for the rest of his life. Even though it's their job, officers (like soldiers) have a lot of baggage to carry through their lives.
Hats off to TFC Harris.
the trooper fired twice, the first shot in the torso did not seem to affect the suspect. according to an investigator who responded. the investigator told me that the suspect looked up and laughed. the trooper then took aim and shot him in the head. it was reported that the suspect was bipolar, no word yet on any drugs in his system.
Post a Comment