Baltimore County Police Officer in Critical Condition After Gunfire Erupts Near Trail

A Baltimore County police officer was critically wounded after an armed suspect opened fire during a suspicious person investigation near a Pikesville trail, also injuring the suspect and a bystander.

June 8, 2026

3 min read

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A Baltimore County police officer was critically wounded Sunday morning after an armed suspect opened fire during an investigation into a suspicious person and indecent exposure report near a trail off Milford Mill Road in Pikesville.
The officer was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center and remained in critical but stable condition Sunday afternoon. The suspect and a bystander also were wounded and hospitalized in stable condition.
Police Chief Robert McCullough said investigators found no evidence the shooting was a planned ambush, while local officials and the county FOP called for community support and prayers for the injured officer.

By Matt Hubbard and Karl Hille

Source Baltimore Sun

What began as a call about a suspicious person Sunday morning ended with a Baltimore County Police officer critically wounded in a shooting near a popular Pikesville trail.

Officers were dispatched around 8:50 a.m. Sunday to investigate a report of a suspicious person and indecent exposure along a trail off Milford Mill Road, according to Baltimore County Police. During the encounter, an armed individual opened fire, striking one officer.

The wounded officer was rushed to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where Dr. David Efron said during a 1:15 p.m. news conference that he remained in critical but stable condition.

The suspected gunman was injured and transported to a hospital. A bystander was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire, police said. Authorities said both individuals were in stable condition Sunday afternoon.

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said investigators have found no evidence the shooting was a planned ambush targeting officers.

“This case highlights how dangerous policing is in America these days,” McCullough said during a Sunday news conference. “It is unpredictable, and it highlights the danger that our men and women of law enforcement face every day.”

Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier said the officer was alert and talking Sunday afternoon.

Calling the shooting “awful” and “unacceptable,” Klausmeier said county officials were closely monitoring the officer’s condition.

A shooting close to home

The shooting drew a large law enforcement response to Milford Mill Road, where dozens of officers converged on the scene. The road was closed between the Gwynns Falls bridge and the Interstate 695 overpass, while police tape blocked access to trails near the shooting site.

Councilman Izzy Patoka, who represents the area where the shooting occurred, said the shooting “hits close to home,” since he lives about a half-mile from the park on Milford Mill Road. He noted that he even uses the park and said the community will rally in support of the officer.

“What I have found doing this work for 35 years is that when the communities are strong and have a good relationship with their police precinct, then the community prevails over senseless shootings and let me tell you, this is 100% senseless,” Patoka said.

Councilman Julian Jones called the shooting a “solemn reminder” of the dangers first responders face.

“This incident is another jarring reminder of the risks our officers take every day and the extraordinary work performed by the first responders and healthcare professionals who answer the call in moments of crisis,” Jones said. “Please join me in keeping this officer and his family in your prayers as he continues his recovery.”

The Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police also urged residents to support the wounded officer and his family.

“The situation is still developing, and we are working to ensure the officer and their family have all the immediate support they need,” the FOP wrote in a social media post. “Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time. We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.”

In response to The Sun’s questions about the identities of the suspect and the injured officer, Baltimore County Police said they were not releasing those details Sunday.

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