June 9 (UPI) — Three people were killed and one critically injured in a shooting Thursday afternoon at a Smithsburg, Md., manufacturing plant.
Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting on Bikle Road, the department said on Facebook.
“On June 9, 2022, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to Columbia Machine Inc., 12912 Bikle Road, Smithsburg, MD, for reports of an active shooter.
“Units immediately responded and located 4 victims, 3 of which were deceased at the scene and one who was critically injured. The suspect fled the scene prior to Law Enforcement’s arrival. The description was quickly released to additional responding units, and the suspect vehicle was encountered by Maryland State Police in the area of Maplesville Road and Mount Aetna Road, gunshots were exchanged between the suspect and the Trooper.
“Both were injured and transported for medical treatment.
Multiple Federal Agencies, including the FBI and ATF, have responded to assist in the investigation into the incident.”
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed earlier in the after that he’d been briefed on the situation.
“The State Police responded, pursued the suspect, the suspect fired and shot the state trooper in the shoulder who then returned fire and shot him back. I don’t know the status of the shooter, but it’s an ongoing, developing situation,” Hogan told CBS Baltimore at an unrelated news conference.”We are actively monitoring the mass shooting in #Smithsburg right now, and our office is in contact with officials on the ground. If you’re local, please stay away from the area as law enforcement responds.
— Rep. David Trone (@RepDavidTrone) June 9, 2022
The outlet also said the shooting took place at the Columbia Machine manufacturing plant, which was confirmed by other outlets.
The Maryland State Police said on Twitter its officers were at the scene and that its public information officer was headed to Smithsburg.
The rural Town of Smithsburg has a population of approximately 2,970 people and is located around 8.5 miles east of Hagerstown, Md.
