Suspect Identified In Harford County- Investigation Continues

03/21/2014
Maryland State Police Press Release

POLICE INVOLVED FATAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION IN HARFORD CO. CONTINUES

(ABERDEEN, MD) – The burglary suspect who struck several police vehicles and injured a police officer before he was fatally wounded by police following a pursuit early this morning in Harford County has been identified.

The suspect is identified as Rajsaun A. McCray, 29, whose last known address was in the 3600-block of Horner Place SE, Washington, D.C. He was pronounced dead this morning at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. An autopsy will be conducted at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The preliminary investigation indicates that before 2:30 a.m. today, the Target security office notified the Aberdeen Police Department that a burglary was occurring at their store in the 1000-block of Middleton Road in Aberdeen. Target security provided a description of the suspect and his car, a Dodge Caliber with Maryland tags.

Officer Jason Easton, a nine-year-veteran of the Aberdeen Police Department responded and spotted the suspect attempting to flee. As Officer Easton pulled into the parking lot attempting to stop the suspect, he was struck by the suspect’s car. Officer Easton was injured and his car was disabled. The suspect fled the scene in his car.

Other responding Aberdeen Police Department officers saw the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver, later identified as McCray, did not stop. A pursuit ensued and Aberdeen officers were joined by Maryland state troopers from the JFK Highway Barrack. The suspect drove north on I-95 and traveled on and off various exits. He eventually turned onto southbound I-95, driving at speeds up to 100 mph. State troopers deployed stop sticks about five miles north of the Maryland House, which apparently deflated a right front tire, but the suspect continued to refuse to stop.
The investigation indicates McCray drove onto the southbound I-95 ramp entrance to the Maryland House rest area. He rammed multiple police cars as he exited. McCray’s vehicle then traveled off the side of the ramp and up an embankment before he turned it around toward pursuing police.

Preliminary information indicates the suspect’s vehicle stopped momentarily and troopers and officers exited their patrol cars to approach the suspect’s vehicle and take him into custody. As they did, McCrary accelerated his vehicle and drove directly toward the approaching police officers. In fear for their lives and the lives of their fellow police officers, three state troopers and one Aberdeen officer fired their agency-issued pistols at the suspect.

The suspect was wounded and first aid was administered. EMS personnel were summoned and he was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to the UMD Shock Trauma Center.

Officer Easton was transported to Harford Memorial Hospital and treated for injuries to his arm. He was released from the hospital later this morning.

The Maryland State Police troopers who fired their Glock .40 caliber pistols are identified as Sergeant Edginel Torres, a 10-year veteran, Trooper First Class Daniel Rumaker, a five-year veteran, and Trooper Duane Freeman, a one-year veteran. All three troopers are assigned to the JFK Highway Barrack. The Aberdeen Police Department officer who fired his .45 caliber Glock pistol is identified as Sergeant Richard Clark, a 16-year veteran of the agency. The troopers and the officer have been placed on administrative leave by their respective departments, which is routine in police involved shootings.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation, which is procedure in police involved shootings. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also conduct an investigation, as is procedure. Harford County State’s Attorney Joe Cassilly was kept informed by investigators and responded to the scene this morning. Upon completion of the investigation Homicide Unit investigators will forward the report to Mr. Cassilly for his review.

The southbound I-95 exit ramp to the Maryland House remained closed until about noon today. Maryland Transportation Authority personnel assisted with the ramp closure and detour.