ABINGDON, MD — Two deputies have died from their injuries after a gunman shot them in Abingdon mid-day Wednesday, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. The suspect was killed by deputies a short distance away.

"Today is a sad day for the Harford County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Harford County," Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said at a press conference Wednesday evening. One of the officers was a 30-year veteran with the court services division, while the other served for 16 years in the community services division, according to Gahler. Their names are not yet being released, pending notification of their extended families.

The circumstances leading to the shootings remain under investigation, but Gahler provided preliminary details. Deputies were called to Panera Bread in the 3400 block of Merchant Boulevard at 11:46 a.m. after someone tipped off authorities that a wanted individual—David Brian Evans, 68—was at the restaurant, according to Gahler.

Evans had at least two warrants for his arrest, one in Florida for assaulting a police officer and eluding arrest, and a civil writ through the Harford County Circuit Court, the sheriff's office said in a statement. The deputies had "dealings with him in the past," Gahler said.

When Evans saw law enforcement in the back side of the Panera, the gunfight began.





"Within seconds, as I understand it, the first shot was fired by the suspect into the deputy that now has taken the deputy's life," Gahler said. "The suspect took that action because he was wearing a police uniform," Gahler said. "He certainly targeted them."