Suspect captured at Catonsville High School parking lot

CATONSVILLE, Md. - Tucked in a parking lot just off Frederick Road’s busy business district, a Baltimore County Police officer spotted a suspicious car, and after he ran the tag and discovered it was stolen, it set a series of events in motion that would end in gunfire.

"When he approached the vehicle, the driver moved the vehicle in an attempt to flee almost striking the officer.  The officer, in fear of his life, used his service weapon and fired upon the vehicle," said Baltimore County Police Officer Shawn Vinson.

Struck by a bullet in the upper body, the suspected car thief sped away from the scene, but he wouldn’t get far.

"The suspect did flee the area and our officers canvassed the area and was able to find the vehicle in the parking lot of the Catonsville High School,” said Vinson, “This is an upper parking lot away from the school near the football stadium.  We believe right now it has nothing to do with the high school."
    
Paramedics transported the suspect to the Shock Trauma Center where he’s expected to survive.

They are withholding his name until he can be formally charged.

Meanwhile, an investigation continues into the shooting, and the unnamed officer has been placed on routine administrative duty until it can be completed.

Police say the car was reported stolen from Carroll County.

They also say since the shooting happened behind the businesses that front Frederick Road, there were no citizens endangered in that lot when the officer opened fire.