WASHINGTON – A gunman has been charged with attempted murder after he opened fire on Anne Arundel County police officers early Sunday morning.
Police were called to 9th street in Pasadena around 1 a.m. for reports of a drunk man armed with a handgun. When police arrived, they confronted the suspect — 38-year-old John Chris Delich — near a garage.
Delich pointed the gun at police officers and started shooting, according to witnesses and police officers.
“During this confrontation, three of our officers fired back at the suspect,” Smith says. “Officers were directly in harm’s way when those bullets came flying toward them.”
At one point, Delich retreated and barricaded himself inside a home. Officers used an armored personnel carrier to get closer.
“The officers inside of that vehicle actually approached the home and were able to see the suspect who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound,” Smith says.
Delich was shot in the leg and surrendered.
“If it had not been for the armored vehicle, we would have had to wait much longer for a negotiation process and get him the assistance he needed from the medical team,” Smith says.
Delich was arrested and taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A loaded .40 caliber handgun was found near the suspect inside the home.
“It looks like the wound stopped him from shooting any further,” Smith says.
Police are investigating whether the handgun was registered to Delich and if he was drunk at the time. No civilians were inside the home.
“It’s really a win-win,” Smith says. “None of us want to hurt or kill a suspect, even in the worst of situations. The officers and the civilians aren’t injured and the bad guy is in custody.”
Delich is charged with 14 counts, including two counts of attempted second degree murder and assault.
Police want anyone with information to call Homicide Detective Jason McNemar at 410-222-4756.
Anonymous tips can be offered o Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line, 410-222-4700, or to Metro Crime Stoppers.
