TROOPER INVOLVED SHOOTING UPDATE

(Mt. Airy, MD) – Troopers have obtained an arrest warrant for the domestic assault suspect who remains in the hospital under police guard after he was wounded by a state trooper last night when he pointed what appeared to be a handgun at him.

The suspect is identified as Hugh M. Alexander III, 29, who has been living with his girlfriend, Sara A. Totuschek, 44, the victim of the assault, in the 1700-block of Trestle Street, Mt. Airy, Md. Early this morning, after consultation with the Carroll County States Attorneys Office, Maryland State Police obtained an arrest warrant for Alexander, charging him with two counts each of first and second degree assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, and reckless endangerment.

Alexander remains under State Police guard at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He was transferred there from the Carroll Hospital Center early this morning.

The trooper involved is identified as Trooper First Class Edward J. Witanowski, a five and one-half year veteran of the Maryland State Police. TFC Witanowski is assigned to the Westminster Barrack, where he works as a resident trooper in the town of Mt. Airy.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, TFC Witanowski was dispatched to Totuschek’s address after she called 911 and reported an assault. When the trooper arrived, Totuschek met him in the parking lot and said Alexander had struck her and repeatedly tried to choke her.

While waiting in the parking lot for backup, TFC Witanowski saw Alexander walk out of townhome toward him, holding what appeared to be a handgun. Witnesses told State Police investigators that Alexander was pointing the weapon at the trooper and they heard the trooper repeatedly tell Alexander to drop the gun. The trooper was in full uniform and was standing near his marked patrol car.

In fear for his life, TFC Witanowski fired his State Police issued .40 caliber Beretta pistol at Alexander, striking him in the leg. The trooper gave the suspect immediate first aid and summoned EMS personnel.

Investigators recovered the gun Alexander was pointing at the trooper. It has been identified as a Crossman 4.5mm pellet pistol. The metal gun is black and is the same size and shape of a semi-automatic pistol.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation into the shooting, as is procedure. They are being assisted by troopers from the Westminster Barrack Criminal Investigation Section. The Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit is also conducting an investigation, as is procedure.

Troopers secured the scene at the townhome last night while criminal investigators applied for a search warrant before processing the scene for evidence. While awaiting the search warrant, the domestic assault victim, Totuschek, tried to re-enter her residence after being told by troopers she could not until after the scene was processed. Troopers stopped Totushek and were escorting her away from the home when she assaulted one of the troopers. Totushek was arrested and charged with assault early this morning. After processing, she was released on her personal recognizance by a court commissioner.

The trooper remains on routine administrative leave which is procedure, pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigation will be presented to the Carroll County States Attorneys Office for review upon completion.