Trooper shoots armed suspect in domestic dispute

An armed suspect sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound Monday afternoon after pointing his shotgun at a trooper responding to his Harford County residence.

The suspect is identified as John E. Murphy, 52, of the 1400 block of Norrisville Road, White Hall, Md.  Murphy is currently receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the shoulder at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.   

Troopers from the Bel Air Barrack were dispatched to the residence for a possible armed suicidal subject Monday shortly after 1:30 p.m.  Gail Isennock called 911 advising her boyfriend was in the residence with a firearm stating he wanted to be killed by police.  When troopers arrived, they were contacted outside the residence by Isenock.  Troopers confirmed the information and attempted to establish a perimeter around the residence.  The suspect exited the rear of the residence and pointed a shotgun at one of the responding troopers.  In fear for his life, the trooper fired his shotgun striking the suspect in the left shoulder and left arm. 

According to the preliminary investigation, the trooper, who was in full uniform, immediately identified himself and gave verbal commands ordering Murphy to put down his shotgun and surrender.  Murphy refused and pointed the shotgun at the trooper.  In fear for his life, Trooper First Class Quinn Dobbins fired one shot from his departmental approved 12 gauge shotgun. 

EMS personnel were summoned to the scene.  Murphy was transported by the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Department ambulance to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. 

Maryland State Police investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence.  State Police crime scene technicians processed the house and the yard for evidence.  A 410 bolt action shotgun was recovered from the ground where the suspect was standing near the residence.  
 
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and are conducting the investigation, which is procedure in police involved shootings.  They will be reviewing evidence developed in this investigation with the Harford County State's Attorney's Office to determine what criminal charges will be filed against Murphy in connection with today's incident. 

Trooper Dobbins, an eight-year veteran of the Maryland State Police, has been placed on routine administrative leave, which is procedure in police involved shootings.  The State Police Internal Affairs Unit will also be conducting an investigation