Officer involved in Pittsville shooting identified

WICOMICO CO., Md. – The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, the officer involved in a shooting in Pittsville Sunday night, has sadly passed away.

Police say Deputy Hillard was gunned down in Pittsville while attempting to apprehend a fugitive who was wanted on multiple felony warrants in multiple jurisdictions.  They say Deputy Hillard saw the suspect leaving an apartment complex and after a foot pursuit, that’s when Hillard was fatally shot.

Police say the suspect was captured after an extensive manhunt by dozens of law enforcement officers from around the area and is awaiting arraignment. They say this man is no longer a threat to the community.

Meanwhile, police reported late Sunday night that they had arrested Austin Davidson in connection to the shooting.

In a Facebook post by Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, they write “The days ahead will be challenging, but for now, we are mourning the loss of an incredible human being. Deputy Glenn Hilliard was a son, a husband, and a father to three beautiful children, a brother to those he worked with, and an exemplary public servant to the citizens of Wicomico County and to the State of Maryland. Our hearts and prayers go out to Glenn’s family during this difficult time.”

Acting Wicomico County Executive John Psota released a statement on Hilliard’s death, saying, “It is with profound sorrow that the Wicomico County Executive’s Office offers our deepest condolences to the family of Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office family. DFC Hilliard’s death is a solemn reminder of the risks and sacrifices our law enforcement officers are willing to accept in order to keep us safe and to preserve our way of life.”

The Wicomico County Flag has been lowered in honor of DFC Glenn Hilliard.