Holly MatkinBryans Road, MD – An off-duty firefighter accused of assaulting his girlfriend was fatally shot by an armed citizen who was out walking his dog when the woman ran to him for help, according to investigators.
The incident occurred near a home located in the 2900-block of Sedgemore Place at approximately 3 a.m. on May 8, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said in a press release later the same day.
CCSO officers responded to the area after receiving reports of gunfire and a “domestic assault in progress,” according to the sheriff’s office.
They arrived to find 30-year-old District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCEMS) Firefighter Carl Francis Braxton suffering from at least one gunshot wound, WRC reported.
Officers rendered first aid to Braxton until paramedics arrived at the scene, the CCSO said.
Braxton was then rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A preliminary investigation revealed the off-duty firefighter allegedly assaulted his girlfriend inside the townhouse they shared, according to the CCSO.
The unidentified woman managed to flee the residence and spotted a man walking his dog once she was outside.
Witnesses said Braxton followed after her and then “approached and threatened to harm the man,” according to the CCSO.
“Braxton continued walking aggressively toward the man, at which time the man, who has a permit to carry a firearm, produced a gun and shot Braxton,” the sheriff’s office said.
Statement from Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. on the Passing of Active-Duty Firefighter/EMT Carl Braxton. pic.twitter.com/Yl7d2K6rp4
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 8, 2023
The unidentified citizen who shot Braxton stayed at the scene until officers arrived.
He was later transported to a police station.
The citizen was ultimately released pending further investigation.
The CCSO said they do not believe the man knew Braxton or his girlfriend prior to the incident.
The investigation into the fatal shooting remains ongoing.
Black bunting drapes the bay door of Engine 22 in Shepherd Park as we mourn the loss of Firefighter/EMT Carl Braxton. Braxton was an 8 year veteran assigned to Engine 22. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/R3GS4a5qUd
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 8, 2023
Braxton joined the DCEMS as a member of Cadet Class 17 and graduated in April of 2015, WRC reported.
The father-of-two was assigned to Engine Company 22 in Shepherd Park at the time of his death.
His girlfriend is also a fellow firefighter, WRC reported.
Sandy Malone