The Maryland Office of the Attorney General has released comprehensive details regarding the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Salisbury over the weekend. This incident, which unfolded on Jefferson Street, has prompted a thorough investigation by the Independent Investigations Division (IID) following initial homicide investigations that began earlier that evening on North Westover Drive.
Officers and victim identified in deadly encounter
The decedent has been officially identified as David Evans, a 40-year-old Salisbury resident. Evans was fatally shot during the confrontation with law enforcement officers who had been searching for a suspect connected to an earlier shooting incident. The identification comes as part of the standard protocol followed by Maryland’s Attorney General office in officer-involved shooting cases.
Three Salisbury Police Department officers discharged their service weapons during the encounter. The involved officers have been identified with their respective years of service :
| Officer Name | Rank | Years of Service | Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ryan | Police Officer First Class | 2 years | Patrol Division |
| Orlando Thiess | Police Officer First Class | 4 years | Patrol Division |
| Sean Kassouf | Police Officer First Class | 7 years | Patrol Division |
All three officers are assigned to the Patrol Division and were responding to the ongoing investigation when the fatal shooting occurred. None of the officers sustained injuries during the incident.
Sequence of events leading to fatal shooting
The deadly encounter began approximately two hours after the initial homicide investigation commenced. Around 5 :00 p.m., Maryland State Police from the Salisbury Barrack responded to a residence on North Westover Drive following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, troopers discovered two victims with apparent gunshot wounds – a man and a woman who were both transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Tragically, the female victim was pronounced deceased by hospital personnel. The identity of these initial victims remains withheld pending family notification. Through collaborative efforts between Maryland State Police and the Salisbury Police Department, investigators quickly identified a suspect in connection with the North Westover Drive shooting.
By approximately 7 :00 p.m., officers located Evans near a parked vehicle in the 700 block of Jefferson Street. Witnesses report that Evans was standing in a residential driveway with an object positioned on the vehicle’s hood. When officers approached and issued repeated commands for compliance, Evans allegedly refused to follow instructions and reached for the object.
Multiple officers then discharged their firearms, striking Evans. Officers immediately provided medical assistance until emergency medical services arrived and transported him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A handgun was recovered from the driveway near Evans following the incident.
Investigation protocols and evidence collection
The Independent Investigations Division has implemented standard protocols for this officer-involved shooting investigation. Body-worn cameras equipped on the responding officers captured the entire encounter, providing crucial evidence for investigators. According to IID guidelines, this footage will typically be released within 20 business days of the incident, though this timeframe may extend depending on various factors.
Several circumstances could delay the release of body-worn camera footage, including :
- Additional time needed to complete witness interviews
- Technical delays caused by the need to protect civilian witness identities
- Allowing family members to view the footage before public release
- Complex evidence processing requirements
The IID typically releases the names of both the decedent and involved officers within two business days of an incident. However, this timeline may be extended when necessary according to established protocols. The Salisbury shooting investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the complete sequence of events.
Ongoing investigations and community involvement
Two separate but related investigations are currently underway. The Independent Investigations Division continues examining the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting on Jefferson Street, while the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit maintains their investigation into the original shooting on North Westover Drive that preceded the fatal encounter.
Investigators are actively seeking additional evidence and witness testimony to complete their comprehensive review. The Attorney General’s office has specifically requested assistance from community members who may have relevant information about either incident. This includes anyone who may have captured cell phone footage or possess private surveillance video from the areas involved.
Community members with information regarding either investigation are encouraged to contact the Independent Investigations Division directly at (410) 576-7070 or via email at IID@oag.state.md.us. The IID emphasizes that all information provided will be thoroughly reviewed as part of their ongoing investigation.
This fatal officer-involved shooting represents a significant incident for the Salisbury community and law enforcement agencies involved. The comprehensive investigation aims to provide transparency and accountability while ensuring all facts surrounding both the original homicide and subsequent officer-involved shooting are thoroughly examined and documented.
