Nov. 17 (UPI) —Â A Baltimore detective shot in the head while conducting an investigation died Thursday, police said.
The officer identified as Detective Sean Suiter, 43, died at Maryland Shock and Trauma one day after the shooting. Police Commissioner Kevin Davissaid the husband and father of five died surrounded by his family.
“Just after noon today, 18-year veteran homicide detective Sean Suiter was pronounced dead,” Davis said. “[He was] 43 years old, married, father of five; his wife Nicole is here with him.”
Suiter was shot in the head after approaching a suspicious man who remains at large. Suiter was investigating a homicide and his partner quickly rushed to his aid and helped transport him to the hospital.
Davis said the shooting occurred in the notoriously violent Harlem Park area and police were working to find “every bit of evidence” and had “investigative leads” they were pushing to identify the shooter.
“My best hunch is one or more people know or suspect our killer was involved in this yesterday,” he said. “We’re asking those folks to do some soul searching and pick up the phone and give us a call.”
Police offered a reward of more than $60,000 for information leading to the shooter’s arrest, but Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday the state would increase the total by $100,000.
“Under my direction, the state of Maryland is offering a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer responsible for the death of Baltimore Police Detective Sean Suiter. Effective immediately,” he wrote on Twitter.
Mayor Catherine Pugh said crime in the city is “out of control” and offered prayers and condolences to the officer and his family.
“He was well respected, and he will be very sorely missed by everyone,” she said.
