Holly MatkinPittsville, MD – Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard was murdered in the line of duty on Sunday night while trying to apprehend a fugitive wanted for multiple felonies in multiple jurisdictions, according to his department.
The attack occurred on June 12 at the Talbot Apartments on Gumboro Road, WJLA reported.
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said in a Facebook post early Monday morning that Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard was “attempting to apprehend a fugitive who was wanted on multiple felony warrants in multiple jurisdictions” when he was “gunned down.”
The shooting occurred during a foot pursuit, WJLA reported.
“Deputy Hilliard was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend the suspect,” the WCSO confirmed.
The suspect, later identified as Austin Jacob Allen Davidson, was apprehended following an “extensive manhunt by dozens of law enforcement officers throughout the region,” according to the WCSO.
“The suspect was captured and is awaiting arraignment,” the WCSO said. “There is no further threat by this man to our communities.”
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is handling the ongoing investigation into Deputy Hilliard’s murder, WJLA reported.
Deputy Hilliard, 41, would have celebrated his 42nd birthday on Wednesday.
He served the WCSO for 16 years and was most recently assigned “back to patrol upon request,” according to his department.
“The days ahead will be challenging, but for now, we are mourning the loss of an incredible human being,” the WCSO said.
The sheriff’s office described Deputy Hilliard as “an exemplary public servant” to both his city and the state of Maryland.
“As an organization, we are heartbroken over this senseless and tragic murder,” the WCSO said. “This loss exacts an enormous emotional toll on the Sheriff’s Office family, but we will do what is necessary and proper to honor Glenn and support those who knew and loved him.”
“Brave men and women like Glenn Hilliard put their lives in danger every day to protect our families, and I am extremely grateful to them for keeping our communities safe,” the agency said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Glenn’s family during this difficult time.”
Deputy Hilliard leaves behind his spouse and three children.
The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Mourns One of Its Own https://t.co/N3yQMB0GPp pic.twitter.com/p3X9562HAs
— Wicomico Sheriff (@WicoSheriff) June 13, 2022
NEW: Wicomico County Sheriff's Office confirms Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard was gunned down in Pittsville, MD while trying to arrest a suspect who was wanted on multiple felony warrants.
Suspect captured after manhunt.
Deputy Hilliard would have turned 42 next Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/7m2OlFrCaC
— Michael Pegram🏳️🌈 (@MichaelPNews) June 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department, after one of their fellow deputies was shot this evening. #BCoPD pic.twitter.com/mJDYsVICkn
— Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) June 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Deputy Glenn Hilliard, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
