Columbia Works factory, Smithsburg, Maryland shooting: What we know so far

Three individuals were killed and another was injured after someone opened fire in a manufacturing plant in Smithsburg, Maryland on Thursday afternoon, and a state trooper was hurt in a gunfight with the suspect.

Around 2:30 p.m., deputies went to an active shooting at Columbia Machine, Inc. on Bikle Road in Smithsburg.

Also read: Smithsburg, Maryland: Multiple shot in Columbia Machine, 3 dead

Other than the three dead, one person was in critical condition; initially, police stated four people were hurt. There was no early word on the victims’ identities or if they were employees.

A Maryland state trooper engaged in a shootout with the suspect on Mapleville Road shortly after the incident, roughly five miles south of the plant, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The trooper was injured, and the suspect was also injured and sent to the hospital. At the moment, his condition is unknown.

Also read: What is Columbia Machine Works, factory in Smithsburg, Maryland where multiple were shot

Sgt. Carly Hose, a spokesperson for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, said she could not officially release the suspect’s name or age, but that he is male. She didn’t reveal what kind of gun the suspect was carrying.

A red four-door sedan is blocked in by a burgundy SUV on Mapleville Road at the Mt. Aetna traffic circle, according to Chopper4 video.

Police placed an evidence marker near a gun on the ground outside the driver’s side door of the red automobile.

Smithsburg is located near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, a few miles west of Hagerstown and roughly 75 miles west of Baltimore.

Also read: Who is David Trone?

There was no other information available at the time.

Hose stated that the probe is still ongoing. The original scene is being handled by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the second scene is being handled by Maryland State Police. The Baltimore FBI is assisting the state agencies with the investigation.

“I’m devastated by the lives taken today in Smithsburg and for the pain and suffering their loved ones are experiencing,” stated US Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“As we learn more about the shooting today, my thoughts are with the employees of Columbia Machine, the Smithsburg community, and all of those grieving,” he added. “I am committed to meeting your pain with action.”

Also read: Jan. 6 committee hearing: What to expect

According to the corporate website, Columbia Machine is a global company which produces concrete products, with customers in over 100 countries. Columbia manufactures a complete array of equipment to outfit your entire concrete products facility, from mixing and batching to automatic cubing and splitting.