The Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a Port Deposit man who was shot by troopers after the man's father called police to report an attempted suicide.

Harry Blomquist Havens, 40, was pronounced dead late Wednesday night at his sister's home on Peacock Lane in Cecil County. He was shot once in the chest.

State police said they received a call at 9: 18 p.m. from Havens' father, who reported a disturbance and attempted suicide at the home.

Troopers from North East barracks and a Port Deposit police officer, who were warned that the man had a knife, found him hiding in the home, police said.

Havens' sister, who was not identified by state police, told troopers that her brother had cut his wrists with a knife.

Cpl. Charles Townsley and Trooper Mark Rinehart found Havens' hands covered in blood.

When they tried to help him, Havens ran into the kitchen and grabbed a knife, police said.

As he held the knife to his throat and threatened to end his life, Havens was ordered repeatedly by troopers to drop the weapon, police said.

Havens refused and then charged at them with the knife, according to police.

Rinehart and Trooper James Pruski, who was standing on the front porch, each fired a shot at Havens, police said.

The troopers tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate Havens, they said.

No one else was injured. Havens' body has been taken to the state medical examiner's office.

Police said initial reports indicated the possibility of drug use, but no drugs were found at the scene.

Rinehart and Pruski, four-year state police veterans, have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending results of the investigation, police said.

Pub Date: 3/12/99