This is Tyler Scott Testerman, a 21-year-old man suspected of shooting an Aberdeen (Md.) police officer in the face early today. A manhunt ensued, and police announced the capture of Testerman minutes ago.
The shooting of the officer in a wooded area led to the closure of Aberdeen schools today, police said.
wbaltv.com has identified the officer as Jason Easton, a 10-year veteran of the force. The officer survived the shooting and was flown to a trauma center in Baltimore.
Easton was hit by several projectiles, suggesting a shotgun was used. Early in the investigation, police have not specifically identified the weapon.
Here is what Aberdeen police said at 8:30 today, prior to the capture (italics added):
Officer Shot in Face; Suspect At Large
Aberdeen, MD – On Friday, December 04, 2015, at approximately 2:27 AM, the Aberdeen Police Department responded to the 500 block of Ohio Court in reference to a suspicious circumstance. The initial investigating officer made contact with a complainant in the backyard and began to gather facts about the complaint. Next, a white male appeared from the wood line and fired a shot, striking the investigating officer in the face with 6-8 projectiles.
Maryland State Police Medevac responded and transported the officer from the scene to Maryland Shock Trauma. The injured officer is a 10 year veteran assigned to the Patrol Division, Midnight Shift. He is currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained as a result of the incident.
Investigators responded quickly to the scene and identified Tyler Scott Testerman, W, M, DOB [deleted by PP Blog], as the alleged shooter. Testerman had already fled the scene on foot. Lastly, an immediate manhunt ensued that enlisted the support of the Maryland State Police and Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are actively following up on leads developed as to whereabouts of Testerman.
Aberdeen Public Schools have been closed today, and should resume normal operations on Monday, December 7, 2015. Traffic on Baltimore Street is not affected at this time.
The Aberdeen Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Tyler Testerman to contact the Aberdeen Police Department at 410-272-2121.
Prepared By: Sgt. C. William Reiber
Officer Shot UPDATE: Suspect Tyler Scott Testerman in custody. pic.twitter.com/tjPg04Yj9n
— Aberdeen Police Dept (@AberdeenPDMD) December 4, 2015