Investigation Underway After State Trooper Returns Fire When Sheriff’s Deputy Is Wounded At Scene of Assault In Progress In Cecil County

Update: July 12, 2021 – 1pm
The deceased is identified as Jonathan Balchunas, 24, of North East, Md. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical service personnel from the Cecil County Fire Department. He was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore where the results of an autopsy will provide more information about the origin of the fatal shot.

The sheriff’s deputy who was struck by gunfire during the incident was treated for his injuries at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware last night. The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office reports today that their deputy was released overnight.

(NORTH EAST, MD) – Police responding to a call for a fight in progress at a Cecil County apartment this afternoon fatally wounded a man inside after shots were fired at police, wounding a sheriff’s deputy with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office.

The deceased is a 24-year-old male. He is not being identified at this time. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 3:30 p.m. today, two troopers from the North East Barrack responded to an apartment in the 100 block of Chesapeake Ridge Lane in North East to assist the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office with the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon their arrival, the troopers and sheriff’s deputy made attempts to contact anyone inside the apartment. They heard a struggle and repeatedly announced they were police officers there to help. The struggle inside the apartment continued.

The troopers and sheriff’s deputy entered the apartment through an unlocked door and observed two adult males in a physical altercation. While the fight was in progress between the two men, shots were fired from within the apartment. The sheriff’s deputy was struck by gunfire. In fear for their lives, one of the troopers returned fire and immediately retreated from the apartment to take cover with the injured deputy and the other trooper.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is on scene to conduct the investigation. State Police crime scene technicians are processing the scene. The Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office is on the scene. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also be conducting an investigation, as it does in any police-involved shooting.

The trooper involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, which is procedure. The other trooper who did not fire his agency firearm has been placed on administrative duty. The sheriff’s deputy who was struck by gunfire during the incident is being treated for his injuries at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware.

The State Police Homicide Unit investigation is continuing. Upon completion, it will be provided to the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.