Person of interest in custody in shooting of detectives

A person of interest is in custody Thursday afternoon following a massive manhunt for the gunman who shot two Maryland detectives.

"We have a person of interest in custody in reference to the shootings of our detectives," the Anne Arundel Police tweeted. "We do not believe there is any further threat to our community."

Officers were going door-to-door Thursday morning and some schools are closed as the search intensified.

In a message to the gunman, Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare said Thursday morning, "Every minute you stretch this out, it makes it more dangerous for my cops, and thus it makes it more dangerous for you."

"We need you to come and turn yourself in," the chief said at a news conference. "End this lunacy before another person gets hurt."

The investigation began around 5 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to a death investigation, said Anne Arundel County Police Sgt. Jacklyn Davis. They launched a homicide investigation and determined the victim's car was missing, she said.

By 11 p.m., Anne Arundel County detectives found the car in Baltimore and tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect shot one of the detectives, Davis said.

He was in "critical but stable condition" Thursday morning, she said.

County Executive Steuart Pittman tweeted Thursday afternoon the two were both out of surgery "and taking their first steps on the road to recovery."

Another detective continued to chase the shooter, said Davis. The suspect shot multiple rounds at the second detective, hitting him, said Davis. He is in stable condition, she said.

They were identified as Detective Scott Ballard, a 22-year veteran assigned to the fugitive apprehension team, and Detective Ian Preece, a 13-year veteran assigned to the homeland security investigations team, the chief said.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted Thursday, "We have absolutely no tolerance for the violence committed against two Anne Arundel County Police detectives last night."

"These brave officers are now in stable condition, and all Marylanders are praying for their full and speedy recovery," he said.