Harford County Man Shot By State Trooper
WHITE HALL, Md. (WJZ) -- A Harford County man recovers at the hospital after he was shot by a Maryland state trooper.
Derek Valcourt explains why the trooper says he fired and why that may be exactly what the man wanted.
Sky Eye Chopper 13 was over White Hall in Harford County as state police converged on a home along Norrisville Road after a 911 call from the woman who owned the house.
"The complainant advises that her boyfriend was suicidal, that he was armed and that he wanted to be killed by a police officer," said State Police Sgt. Marc Black.
State police say it was in the rear of the house where a trooper encountered John E. Murphy, 52, walking out of the back door holding a shotgun.
"The trooper gave him verbal commands to put the gun down and basically at that point in time, the suspect refused to put the gun down and raised the gun, pointing it at the trooper. In fear for his life, the trooper discharged one 12-gauge round from his shotgun," Black said.
Shot in the shoulder, Murphy was rushed to Shock Trauma. He is expected to survive.
His girlfriend refused to speak with WJZ.
Many of the neighbors say they pretty much keep to themselves in this rural area of Harford County. They say they would rarely see the woman who owned the house or her boyfriend.
"It's unusual," said neighbor John Dutko, who lives across the street.
Dutko didn't hear the gunshot but saw police vehicles and wondered what created such a commotion.
"You never hear of anything like that occurring around here. It's always been an isolated area," Dutko said.
Murphy remains in Shock Trauma under police guard. The Harford County State's Attorney says charges against him are pending.
The trooper who fired the shot--Quinn Dobbins, an eight year veteran of the force--has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
