TWO TROOPERS INJURED IN HARFORD CO. CRASH DURING ROBBERY INVESTIGATION

(JOPPA) – Two Maryland state troopers and a motorist were injured early this morning when the driver struck the back of a patrol car on the scene of a robbery investigation in Harford County.

The troopers are identified as Trooper Zachary Shelley, who has been a trooper for two and one-half years, and Trooper First Class David Stanley, a nine-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. Both troopers are assigned to road patrol duties at the Bel Air Barrack.

Trooper Shelley was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He is expected to be treated and released. TFC Stanley was transported to the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he is expected to be treated and released.

The driver of the Volkswagen Beetle that struck the patrol car is identified as Trina Emory, 32, of Edgewood, Md. She was also transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment.

Shortly before 4:00 a.m. today, troopers from the Bel Air Barrack were on the scene of a reported armed robbery at a convenience store on Rt. 152 at Franklinville Road. Trooper Shelley had his emergency lights activated on his unmarked patrol car and had moved it into the southbound lane of Rt. 152 to protect crime scene evidence located there until technicians could process it.

The preliminary investigation indicates Emory was southbound on Rt. 152 and failed to go around the stopped patrol car with its emergency lights on. The Volkswagen struck the rear of the patrol car with Trooper Shelley inside. TFC Stanley was on foot near the vehicles when the crash occurred. He sustained his injury when he jumped down an embankment to get out of the way of the Volkswagen after it struck the patrol car.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Nothing has been ruled out at this time. Charges are pending.

The robbery the troopers were investigating was reported at the Royal Farm Store on Rt. 152 at Franklinville Road shortly after 2:30 a.m. today. The preliminary investigation indicates two suspects, described as African American males, one wearing a dark colored poncho and one a green poncho, entered the store and committed a robbery. One suspect is believed to have displayed a handgun. The suspects may also have sprayed something in the store, possibly a chemical agent. The store employee reported the suspects left the store with cigarettes and an undetermined amount of cash.

No one was injured during the robbery. State Police criminal investigators are continuing the investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.