Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor two deputies who were shot and killed by a gunman who opened fire inside a crowded restaurant when they became involved in a shootout.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said last night that authorities identified the shooter as 67 year-old David Brian Evans who was also killed in the shootout.
The sheriff said Evans had outstanding warrants for his arrest in Florida and Harford County. The sheriff added that a loaded handgun was recovered from him.
Authorities say the gunman shot a sheriff's deputy in the head inside a Panera restaurant at lunchtime Wednesday and wounded another deputy during a shootout near the shopping center where the restaurant was located.
The slain officers were described as a 30 year veteran and a 16 year veteran of the force.
No bystanders were hurt.
But, the shooting caused bedlam inside the restaurant.
Associated Press reports that a 15 year old girl who witnessed the shooting said she saw the deputy fall back out of his chair while little children were running around the restaurant screaming.
