Maryland Deputy Gunned Down Trying To Arrest Fugitive: Sheriff

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD — A Maryland deputy has died in the line of duty while trying to take a fugitive into custody over the weekend, authorities confirmed.

According to the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard was fatally shot Sunday night in Pittsville while attempting to arrest 20-year-old Austin Jacob Allen Davidson of Delmar, a convicted felon with several felony warrants in multiple jurisdictions.

Around 8:30 p.m., deputies said Hilliard spotted Allen coming out of the Talbot Street Apartments in the 7400 block of Gumboro Road. Allen ran away, and Hilliard chased after him.

During the foot chase, officials said Allen pulled out a gun and shot Hilliard, a 16-year veteran law enforcement officer.

Hilliard was taken by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury where he was pronounced dead.

After an extensive manhunt by dozens of law enforcement officers from throughout the region, Allen was captured. He is currently awaiting arraignment.

During a news conference Monday, Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said Allen should have never been let out of jail.

"This suspect is not only a convicted felon, but he was just convicted in 2019 in Baltimore City for an armed robbery with a handgun of which he received probation before judgment," Lewis said. "Had he still been incarcerated where he belonged our deputy would still be here today."

Gov. Larry Hogan joined Lewis during the news conference, calling Hilliard a hero while expressing his condolences to his family and law enforcement colleagues. At the same time, he criticized the justice system in Baltimore City, which he said enabled Allen to freely walk the streets.

"Someone like this should not have been out on the street. You've heard me talk over and over again for eight years about getting tough on these repeat offenders, especially with the judges in Baltimore City letting people out," Hogan said.

Hilliard leaves behind a wife and three children. Following his death, the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office issued a statement that read, in part:

As an organization, we are heartbroken over this senseless and tragic murder. This loss exacts an enormous emotional toll on the Sheriff’s Office family, but we will do what is necessary and proper to honor Glenn and support those who knew and loved him. Brave men and women like Glenn Hilliard put their lives in danger every day to protect our families, and I am extremely grateful to them for keeping our communities safe. Glenn worked in several areas within the Sheriff’s Office, having most recently transferred back to patrol upon request. Glenn would have celebrated his 42nd birthday next Wednesday, June 22nd.

Sheriff Lewis would like to express his sincere gratitude and appreciation to all law enforcement agencies from across the state that responded to our call of assistance tonight. I am incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support from all of my fellow sheriffs, chiefs and federal law enforcement partners.