Thursday, March 27, 2014

Maryland State Police - ADDITIONAL CHARGES OBTAINED FOR SUSPECT

Maryland State Police Press Release
03/27/2014


ADDITIONAL CHARGES OBTAINED FOR SUSPECT IN SALISBURY ASSAULT ON POLICE

(SALISBURY, MD) – As the search continues for the fugitive, police have obtained an additional warrant charging the suspect in connection with the assault on police in Wicomico County last night that occurred while he was fleeing an attempted arrest.

The suspect is identified as Edwin Fletcher, 31, whose last known address was in Salisbury, Md. Early today, police obtained an arrest warrant for Fletcher, charging him with multiple counts of first degree murder, second degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault and related charges. This warrant is in addition to the felony drug warrant police were attempting to serve on him last night when the assaults occurred.

Further investigation has determined there were two Maryland state troopers and a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office deputy in the car that was rammed and run over by Fletcher, who was driving a rented Dodge Ram pickup truck. All three police officers were injured. They were treated for their injuries at Peninsula Regional Medical Center and released early today. They are on leave while recovering from their injuries.

The investigation indicates three police officers fired their pistols at the suspect after the lives of the officers in the car were threatened by the actions of Fletcher. They include a state trooper assigned to the State Police Gang Enforcement Unit, a deputy assigned to the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, and a Salisbury Police Department officer assigned to the Gang Enforcement Unit. There is no indication Fletcher or the unidentified person with him was struck by police gunfire.

The injured officers and the officers who fired their weapons will be not identified. Each of the officers works undercover. Releasing their identities will jeopardize their personal safety.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigation into the police involved shooting is continuing. Upon completion, it will be submitted to the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.


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