LITTLE ORLEANS, Md. (AP) — Maryland State Police say a man who threatened his wife with a gun and said "this ends now" was fatally shot Friday morning, resolving a lengthy standoff, after igniting a fire and shooting at troopers who finally entered his home.
Two state troopers were flown about 120 miles (193 kilometers) to a trauma center in Baltimore, where they were treated for leg wounds and released. Police said William Charles Mackenzie, 66, was pronounced dead at a hospital near the home in Little Orleans, in western Maryland.
A state police statement says the confrontation began late Thursday night. The man's wife told officers that they had been arguing when he drew a gun and threatened her. They struggled and fell and the gun went off, she said. Then she escaped to a neighbor's house and called for help.
The police response was large, with tactical units of camouflaged and well-armed troopers surrounding the home. The troopers tried to communicate with Mackenzie using a loudspeaker from an armored vehicle, but they said he refused to surrender.
Tactical assault team officers finally entered the residence Friday morning. State police said Mackenzie fired at the troopers, hitting their "lower extremities." They returned fire, killing him. Police also said they believe Mackenzie ignited a fire inside the home as troopers entered. Fire personnel and troopers put it out.
The statement said the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is investigating, and will provide its conclusions to the Allegany County State's Attorney's Office for review.
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Information from: Cumberland (Md.) Times-News, http://www.times-news.com/timesnew.html