The second firefighter injured, 19-year-old Kevin Swain, has been upgraded Saturday to serious but stable condition at Baltimore’s Shock Trauma.
Advertisement
Prince George’s County Fire Department/REUTERS Firefighter and paramedic John Ulmschneider died Friday night after being shot while trying to enter the home.
One suspect is in custody in connection with the shooting, which also left a civilian with minor gunshot wounds to the shoulder, according to police and fire officials.
According to The Washington Post, the man has not been charged and, in fact, he was released from police custody on Saturday night. Stawinski says the man who fired the shots has been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury.
The incident began at about 7:30 p.m., when firefighters and police received a 911 call from a “concerned individual” who was anxious about a family member at a home in the 5000 block of Sharon Road in Temple Hills in Prince George’s County, Stawinski said.
There were no police officers present when the firefighters chose to enter the home, said Prince George’s County Police Department spokesman Julie Parker. As that was happening, several shots rang out, striking two firefighters and the brother, authorities said. The conditions of the other firefighter and the neighbor are unknown at this time. Specifics on the call were unclear, but authorities said it was medically related.
Ulmschneider was a firefighter medic and 13-year veteran of the fire department. Two other volunteers with the department sustained less serious injuries while seeking cover in the shootings. “I can tell you they are really, really appreciative of the response from the fire service, friends and the community at large”, he said.
PGFD Spokesperson, Mark Brady, says had the fire fighters known the victim suffered any mental health ailments, they most likely would have waited for police before entering. Police have not released their names.
“It didn’t take long for word to spread”, he said.
The investigation is continuing, and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney will determine if charges are warranted.
The governor ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Ulmschneider’s memory.
Advertisement
A donation website has been set up to assist Firefighter Ulmschneider’s family.
