DUI SUSPECT WOUNDED AFTER FLEEING TRAFFIC STOP WITH TROOPER IN THE CAR

(SALISBURY, MD) – A Wicomico County man is being treated for wounds he sustained early this morning when he was shot by a Maryland state trooper after he fled from a traffic stop while holding the trooper inside his vehicle.

The suspect is identified as Harry F. Wyatt-Swift, 23, of Salisbury, Md. He is currently undergoing treatment for injuries at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He is under State Police guard at the hospital. Charges against him are pending and are expected to be filed later today.

The trooper involved is identified as Trooper First Class Richard Keidel, a five-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. TFC Keidel is assigned to road patrol duties at the Salisbury Barrack.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 1:30 a.m. today, TFC Keidel was patrolling in a marked State Police vehicle on Johnson Road near Nevins Place in Wicomico County, when he saw a car that was speeding and had a tag light out. As he moved behind the vehicle, the trooper saw the Honda passenger car swerve and almost hit a telephone pole.

The trooper stopped the car on Johnson Road east of Nevins Place and made contact with the driver and only occupant of the vehicle, who was later identified as Wyatt-Swift. The trooper smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage and began a DUI investigation.

After the trooper had Wyatt-Smith get out of his car, he began to demonstrate a field sobriety test he was asking the driver to perform. The suspect then ran back to his car in an attempt to flee the scene.

TFC Keidel reached into the car in an attempt to take the keys. The investigation indicates Wyatt-Smith grabbed his arm and drove off, with the trooper hanging out the driver’s side window. The trooper repeatedly told Wyatt-Smith to stop, but the suspect refused to and continued to drive down Johnson Road.

In fear for his life, TFC Keidel fired his Department-issued .40 caliber pistol. Wyatt-Smith was struck in the abdomen and in the side of his face. The suspect let go of the trooper, who fell to the roadway as the car continued on.
TFC Keidel ran back to his patrol vehicle, called in the shooting and proceeded in the direction of the suspect. About two miles later, he found the suspect’s car where it had apparently struck a telephone pole support wire and overturned on Johnson Road east of Eastwood Circle. The suspect was not in the car.

Troopers and Wicomico County deputies responded to the scene and began a search for the suspect. A short time later, Wyatt-Smith walked out of the woods and surrendered. He was given immediate emergency care and EMS personnel were summoned to the scene.

Wyatt-Smith was transported by ambulance to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. He was later transported by ambulance to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

TFC Keidel sustained injuries and was treated and released at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. As is procedure in police involved shootings, he has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The shooting investigation is being conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, which is procedure in police involved shootings. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be presented to the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. An investigation will be conducted by the Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit, which is also procedure. 

Submitted:
Maryland State Police