A Baltimore County police officer was shot and killed while searching a Catonsville home Wednesday morning.
36-year-old Jason Schneider, who worked as a law enforcement official for 13 years, was gunned down when he and a few other officers entered a house located in the city just west of Baltimore.
Police who spoke with the Baltimore Sun reported that Schneider and a handful of other officials were moving room-to-room in the house during a search. Schneider was then shot several times and opened fire on the suspect, who is now in critical condition at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
"During a well-prepared police event, Officer Schneider was killed in the line of duty and we deeply mourn his loss," County Executive Kevin Kamenetz told the Sun. "I can only tell you that we don't always appreciate what our police do for us every day but it's times like this when we know how grateful we are for their bravery and their sacrifice."
The police team was working to capture a suspect living in the house on Roberts Ave. who was wanted for shooting a 29-year-old man last week. The victim did not sustain critical injuries.
After spending hours practicing tactical moves, the police team went into the home. People inside immediately began running out of the main area, according to Chief James W. Johnson. He added that they obviously were aware that his group was comprised of law enforcement officials.
Schneider was searching the rooms of the home when he turned a corner and was shot.
"As he was going down, he [returned] fire, striking the suspect several times," Johnson described.
Schneider is survived by his wife and two children.
Chief James W. Johnson called Schneider "a leader within that unit. This is a terrible loss for Baltimore County."
On Facebook, users created a page that honored the fallen police officer called "Remembering POFC Jason Schneider."
Most members of the group changed their profile pictures on the social media site to an image of the Baltimore Country Police badge, a blue line striking through the image to pay tribute to Schneider.
