The Laurel Police Department arrested 23-year-old Christopher Grayson Simms, of Laurel, Maryland for shooting an officer during the service of an arrest and search warrant for attempted murder.
At approximately 6:05 A.M. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, the Emergency Response Team of the Laurel Police Department was serving an arrest and search warrant in the 100 block of Bryan Court, Laurel, Maryland. Upon conducting a breach and hold at the residence, and while officers announced their identity and presence, they were met with gunfire from the lone occupant. An Emergency Response Team member was immediately struck, suffering a gunshot wound to his arm. The officer is a 35-year-old male with over six years of service with the department.
The injured officer was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries. The officer was later released from the hospital. Laurel Police Officers did not return gunfire, de-escalated the situation and were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident.
The suspect was transported to the Department of Corrections and was charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, 1st Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Assault, intentionally causing physical injury to a law enforcement officer, reckless endangerment, and handgun on their person. He was previously charged with Attempted 1st and 2nd Degree Murder, Assault and firearms related charges for a shooting that took place on April 11, 2022, in Laurel, Maryland.
The entire Laurel Police Department would like to extend its heartfelt prayers to the officer who was shot as well as his family and loved ones. Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill said, “Thank you to the men and women of our department for what they do every day, especially today. I also extend my gratitude to our wounded officer and the officers and communications specialists that assisted him for their courage, bravery, and dedication to duty under fire. They demonstrated the true essence of what it means to be a first responder and the professionalism expected of us every day.”
Mayor Craig Moe said, “I am grateful for the courageous officers of the Laurel Police Department and their efforts to help keep the city of Laurel safe. The entire city of Laurel is praying for the injured officer and his family.”
The city of Laurel would like to thank our allied agencies, the doctors and nurses at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma and the members of our community for the overwhelming support during this trying time.
This is an ongoing investigation, and we encourage anyone with any information, or who may have witnessed any of these events, to please contact The Laurel Police Department at 301-498-0092, also anonymous tips can also be sent to [email protected].
Media Inquiries: Please contact Laura Guenin, Public Relations, Laurel Police Department at 240-278-0758 or email [email protected].
P
