SUSPECTS SOUGHT IN CECIL CO. HOME INVASION AND SHOOTING

(ELKTON, MD) -- Maryland State Police are continuing their search for three suspects wanted in connection with a home invasion late Saturday night in which a Cecil County man sustained a gunshot wound and facial contusions during an assault.

The first of the three suspects is described as a white male in his late twenties, 5’7”, thin build, with a neatly trimmed beard, who was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. The second suspect is said to be a light-complected African American male, 5’8”, with a single gold tooth, who was wearing a red jacket and jeans. The third suspect is described only as an African American male, 6’4”, with a large build and wearing dark clothing.

The victim is identified as Matthew Connor, of the unit-block of Elma Drive, Elkton, Md. He sustained a gunshot wound to the foot, as well as numerous facial contusions. Connor was transported to Christiana Hospital after the assault. He was treated and released yesterday.

Troopers from the North East Barrack responded to Connor’s residence after receiving a 911 call from Connor’s girlfriend, who was hiding in the bathroom and said a home invasion was underway and shots were fired. She was not injured in the incident. Troopers arrived at the mobile home after the suspects had fled and met Connor and his girlfriend.

Connor said that at about 10:30 p.m. on May 7, 2011, he answered a knock at the door and two of the suspects forced their way inside demanding money. Connor said he was thrown to the floor and punched repeatedly in the head and face. When he fought back, Connor said he was struck in the head by the handgun. Connor said he struggled with the smaller African American suspect for the gun, at which time he was shot in the foot. He said the suspect fired more shots at his chest, but missed him.

After the shots were fired, the suspects fled from the trailer to a waiting car parked nearby. A witness told police that car may have been a dark colored Saturn.

Maryland State Police criminal investigators and crime scene technicians responded to the scene. Troopers found a semi-automatic pistol in a wooded area near the trailer that may have been used in the shooting.

Detectives from the Elkton Police Department and the Cecil County Drug Task Force are assisting State Police investigators with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident or the suspects involved is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the North East Barrack at 410-996-7800.