3 Killed In Smithsburg Shooting Named, Accused Gunman Was Co-Worker

Updated at 9:05 a.m. Friday

SMITHSBURG, MD — The names of the three people killed in a shooting at Columbia Machine in Smithsburg were released Thursday by authorities, who said the suspected gunman also worked at the plant.

A fourth victim remains in critical condition at a hospital.

The Washington County sheriff identified those killed in the shooting as Mark Alan Frey, 50; Charles Edward Minnick Jr., 31; and Joshua Robert Wallace, 30, the Associated Press said. Sheriff Doug Mullendore said the wounded victim was Brandon Chase Michael, 42

A Maryland State Police trooper and the suspected gunman were both injured in an exchange of gunfire.

The injured trooper is not yet being identified, state police said in a news release. He is a 25-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region. The trooper was taken to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he was treated and released for a gunshot wound.

The gunman’s identity is being withheld while pending charges are filed, state police said Thursday night. He was taken by ambulance for medical treatment, and is under police guard at a hospital.

Charges are pending consultation with the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office, police said.

A third person, who was shot at the plant that makes concrete molds, was shot and critically wounded.

Shortly after 2:45 p.m. Thursday, troopers encountered the suspected gunman involved in the warehouse shooting that occurred 15 minutes earlier at Columbia Machine in the 12000 block of Bikle Road in Smithsburg. The driver and his vehicle — spotted in the area of Mapleville Road and Mount Aetna Road — matched the description of the vehicle and the gunman wanted for shooting four people, state police said.

According to the preliminary investigation, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the troopers, striking one officer. At least one of the troopers returned fire and struck the suspect.

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the gunfire exchange between the gunman and the troopers. Agency procedure says the troopers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative duty until the investigation wraps up.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will conduct the homicide investigation at the warehouse. The FBI and ATF are assisting the sheriff’s office with the homicide case.

Smithsburg Mayor Donnie Souders told the Washington Post he hoped the recent gun violence, not only in his community but across the country, will prompt lawmakers in D.C. to pass new legislation on guns.

“I think we are at a point where we need to balance those liberties versus the safety,” he told the paper.

During an afternoon news conference, Gov. Larry Hogan said state police responded to the business. The suspect fired and shot a trooper in the shoulder. The trooper then shot back and hit the suspect, Hogan said at a press conference, adding that he is unaware of the suspect's condition.

"There is not an active threat to the community. Please avoid area," the sheriff's office said around 3:15 p.m. Thursday.

A large police presence was also reported near Lion’s Community Park.

Rep. David Trone tweeted that his office was "actively monitoring the mass shooting in #Smithsburg right now," and said his office was in contact with officials on the ground.

"If you're local, please stay away from the area as law enforcement responds," he said.

Hagerstown Community College warned of an "active police incident in Smithsburg." There was no threat to its campus, the college said.

Smithsburg is located about 75 miles west of Baltimore.

Graphic videos posted on social media appeared to show several law enforcement vehicles race through the town just before gunfire erupts. About 20 shots can be heard.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, said its special agents were responding to the shooting.

A spokeswoman for the Columbia Machine plant’s headquarters told journalist Taniya Wright they're working with officials in Maryland, and that the safety of its employees is their top priority.

"Officials say several people were shot at the plant in Smithsburg, MD today," Wright tweeted.

Patch has reached out to the company and will update when we hear back.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen said he was "closely monitoring the shooting in Smithsburg," and that his office has reached out to local officials to learn more and offer support.