(NORTH EAST, MD) – An investigation is underway into a state trooper-involved fatal shooting last night in Cecil County that occurred during a struggle with a wanted man the trooper was attempting to arrest.
The deceased is identified as Charles S. Hall, 30, of North East, Md.
The trooper involved is identified as Trooper Daryl K. Brackett. He is a three year veteran of the Maryland State Police, assigned to road patrol duties at the North East Barrack.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 9:00 p.m. yesterday, Trooper Brackett was on-duty, in uniform, driving a marked patrol car through the parking lot in the North East Plaza Shopping Center, on Rt. 272 at Rt. 40, North East, Md., after answering a call at an auto parts store in the center. The trooper saw Charles Hall in the parking lot and knew he was wanted by the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for theft.
The initial investigation indicates the trooper approached Hall on foot at the back of Hall’s vehicle. Trooper Brackett attempted to arrest Hall in the parking lot, but he resisted and a physical altercation ensued. While still struggling with the trooper, Hall got into his vehicle and began to accelerate out of the parking space. During the struggle, the trooper fired his assigned duty pistol, striking Hall in the upper torso. EMS personnel were summoned. Hall was pronounced dead at the scene.
State Police investigators are continuing to conduct interviews with witnesses. State Police crime scene technicians responded to process the scene.
The investigation is being conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, which investigates all trooper-involved shootings. An investigation is also underway by the Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit, which is procedure.
Trooper Brackett has been placed on administrative leave, which is procedure. Upon completion, the investigation by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit will be forwarded to the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
