Maryland authorities found three people dead at the Columbia Machine plant after a co-worker allegedly attacked them
A Washington County Sheriff’s Office patrol car. There were multiple people injured Thursday during a shooting. (Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland)
Three people were killed and one person was injured Thursday at a Maryland manufacturing plant by a co-worker who was also injured following a gunfire exchange with a state trooper, authorities said.
Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Columbia Machine factory in Smithsburg around 2:30 p.m. amid reports of an active shooter.
“Officers from the Smithsburg Police Department arrived on the scene first and located an injured victim outside of the business,” the sheriff’s office said. “As deputies arrived on the scene, 3 additional victims, all of whom were deceased, were located inside the business.”
The deceased victims were identified Thursday night as Mark Alan Frey, 50; Charles Edward Minnick Jr., 31; and 30-year-old Joshua Robert Wallace. The victim who was injured was identified as 42-year-old Brandon Chase Michael, authorities said.
The suspect was only identified as a 23-year-old West Virginia man.
He fled the scene prior to the arrival of authorities but was spotted nearby by the Maryland State Police. A shootout ensued and the gunman and a trooper were injured, authorities said. Both were taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Investigators recovered an unspecified semi-automatic handgun believed to have been used at both crime scenes.
Сolumbia Machine produces molds and production equipment, according to its website. Fox News has reached out to the factory. A sheriff’s office official said investigators have not determined the suspect’s motive or if he worked at the plant.
After the shooting, a local hospital was also placed on lockdown at 3:50 p.m. local time and was lifted a few hours later. The suspect remains hospitalized at the medical center.
U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-Md., said he was monitoring the situation.
“Our office is in contact with officials on the ground. If you’re local, please stay away from the area as law enforcement responds,” he tweeted.
U.S. Sen.Chris Van Hollen, also a Maryland Democrat, said he was monitoring the incident and reached out to local officials to offer support.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives office in Baltimore and the FBI responded to the scene.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].