WANTED MAN WITH GUN WOUNDED BY TROOPER IN CECIL CO.

(NORTH EAST, MD) – A wanted man armed with what appeared to be a handgun who refused to surrender sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound after he pointed his handgun at two state troopers who were trying to arrest him this morning outside his residence in Cecil Co.

The suspect is identified as Christopher B. Thomas, 37, of the unit-block of Pine Cone Drive, North East, Md. Thomas is undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound to both legs at Christiana Hospital.

In addition to pending charges from today’s incident, Thomas is wanted on a warrant from the North East Police Department for first degree assault, conspiracy to commit fourth degree burglary and conspiracy to commit trespass. He is wanted on a warrant from the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear on charges of resisting arrest, identity theft, and forgery. There is also a warrant for Thomas from Delaware authorities for failing to appear on traffic violation charges in Bethany Beach.

Troopers from the North East Barrack were dispatched to the home where Thomas rents the basement at about 4:00 a.m. today, after his landlord upstairs reported that he was disorderly and was apparently breaking up items in his apartment. When troopers arrived, the suspect had left the area. Troopers checked the suspect’s name and found he was wanted on the outstanding warrants.

The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 7:00 a.m. today, Trooper First Class Brian Schweers and Trooper First Class Matthew Telep, both assigned to road patrol at the North East Barrack, went to the home after receiving a call reporting that Thomas had returned. They were not the troopers who responded to the home at 4:00 a.m., but they had been informed the suspect was wanted on warrants. When the troopers looked around the back corner of the house, they saw Thomas about 30 feet away holding what appeared to be a silver handgun.

According to the preliminary investigation, the troopers, who were in uniform, immediately identified themselves and gave verbal commands, ordering Thomas to drop his gun and surrender. Thomas continued to refuse and yelled “kill me” repeatedly to troopers. Thomas was holding the handgun to his head as he began moving backwards toward a wooded area. Troopers continued to order him to drop the gun and surrender.

As he neared the woods, Thomas pointed the handgun at the two troopers. In fear for his life and the life of his partner, TFC Schweers fired several shots from his department issued .40 caliber pistol. At this time, it is believed one round struck Thomas and injured both legs at or below his knees.

EMS personnel were summoned to the scene. Thomas was transported by the North East Fire Department ambulance to Christiana Hospital.

Maryland State Police investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. State Police crime scene technicians processed the house and yard for evidence. A silver revolver was recovered from the ground where the suspect was standing near the woods. Investigators found the gun was actually a replica gun. It was not a working firearm, but was very realistic looking and appeared to be a small caliber revolver.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and are conducting the investigation, which is procedure in police involved shootings. They will be reviewing evidence developed in this investigation with the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine what criminal charges will be filed against Thomas in connection with today’s incident. Investigators will also present the State’s Attorney’s Office with their completed investigation for review, which is procedure in police involved shootings.

TFC Schweers is a four-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and TFC Telep has been a trooper for six and one-half years. Both troopers have been placed on routine administrative leave, which is procedure in police involved shootings. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also be conducting an investigation.