Off-Duty Montgomery Co. Officer Shoots Self After Stop, Pursuit On Eastern Shore

EASTON — Maryland State Police say an off-duty Montgomery County police officer fatally shot himself after a trooper stopped him for speeding and suspicion of driving under the influence.

Police say a trooper stopped 30-year-old Jed Bylsma of Gettysburg, Pa., on Route 50 near Easton around 1:30 a.m. Monday for speeding and noticed signs that the driver, who identified himself as a county officer, was under the influence. While the trooper returned to his cruiser, police say Bylsma took off.

Bylsma’s Nissan struck stop sticks near Airport Road and rolled to a stop and troopers found Bylsma with a gunshot wound to his head and a gun by his hand. Emergency care was provided, but Bylsma was dead. His body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy.