A Maryland sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot whereas chasing a fugitive, authorities say

Hilliard, 41, was at the very least the twenty fifth legislation enforcement officer this 12 months killed by gunfire within the line of responsibility, in line with the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks such deaths. Final 12 months noticed essentially the most US legislation enforcement officers intentionally killed in the line of responsibility since 9/11, as gun violence and homicides rose, information from the FBI confirmed.

Hillard noticed the fugitive, who has “felony warrants in a number of jurisdictions,” leaving an condo complicated and chased him on foot when he was shot, the department said. “After an in depth manhunt by dozens of legislation enforcement officers from all through the area, the suspect was captured and is awaiting arraignment,” it added, with out naming him.

A murder investigation into Hilliard’s killing will likely be performed by Maryland State Police, Lewis stated.

Hilliard was a 16-year legislation enforcement veteran, the sheriff stated. He spent six years on the sheriff’s workplace in Wicomico County in southeastern Maryland and 10 years as an officer for Berlin, Maryland, police.

“He was … married with three stunning kids,” Lewis stated, and an “exemplary public servant to the residents of Wicomico County and to the State of Maryland,” the division stated.

“The times forward will likely be difficult, however for now, we’re mourning the lack of an unbelievable human being,” the sheriff’s workplace stated.

Hillard would have turned 42 on June 22, the division stated.