Police: Shooting suspect still under guard; hurt trooper released

A West Virginia man accused of fatally shooting three coworkers at a western Maryland machine shop arrived for his normal shift and worked before he left the building to retrieve a weapon, went back inside and fired on employees in the area of a break room, authorities said Friday.

The man, who has not been publicly identified, remained under police guard at a hospital Friday, a day after the shooting. Authorities, who have yet to release a motive, said the man’s identity won’t be made public until he is formally charged.

Officers from the Smithsburg Police Department arrived on the scene at Columbia Machine Inc. first and found an injured victim outside of the business. As deputies arrived, three additional victims, all of whom were deceased, were located inside the business, the Washington County sheriff ’s office said.

The suspect left the scene in a car and was quickly met by Maryland State Police. A Maryland state trooper injured in a shootout with the suspect was treated and released late Thursday, authorities said.

The 25-year veteran of the Maryland State Police was shot when police said the suspect fired multiple rounds at troopers who tracked him down in western Maryland. At least one trooper returned fire, striking the suspect, state police said.

A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s West Virginia residence, and additional firearms were located, the sheriff ’s office said.

The troopers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative duty while an investigation is conducted.

Washington County Sheriff Doug Mullendore identified those killed in the shooting as Mark Alan Frey, 50, of Hagerstown, Md.; Charles Edward Minnick Jr., 31, of Smithsburg, Md.; and Joshua Robert Wallace, 30, of Hagerstown.

The shooting suspect was identified as a 23-year-old man who lives in West Virginia. Authorities said the investigation continues.

Mullendore said the suspect used a semi-automatic handgun, which was recovered after the shootout.

Columbia Machine manufactures equipment for concrete products, and its Smithsburg location builds molds and works on parts and repairs for other plants. The company’s CEO, Rick Goode, issued a statement calling the deaths tragic.

“Our highest priority during this tragic event is the safety and well-being of our employees and their families,” he said.