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Man threatens self, police with replica gun; shot and wounded by state troopers

Replica gun pointed at troopers
(Maryland State Police)

A 37-year-old man wanted on an arrest warrant was shot and wounded by a Maryland State trooper Tuesday morning after authorities said he refused commands to drop the weapon, pointed it at his own head and then aimed it at officers.

Police said they later learned that revolver was a replica.

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The wounded man was identified as Christopher B. Thomas, of Pine Cone Drive in North East. Police said he was being treated for a gunshot wound to both legs at Christiana Hospital. He was being sought on a warrant charging him with assault and burglary.

Troopers were sent to his home about 4 a.m. after his landlord reported him acting out and breaking things in the basement that he rented, according to police. When troopers arrived, he was not home.

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About 7 a.m., other troopers went to the house and saw him about 30 feet from the house holding what appeared to be a silver handgun. Police said the uniformed troopers ordered him to drop the gun and surrender.

"Thomas continued to refuse and yelled, 'kill me' repeatedly to troopers," police said in a statement. "Thomas was holding the handgun to his head as he began moving backwards toward a wooded area. Troopers continued to order him to drop the gun and surrender."

Police said that as Thomas neared the woods, he "pointed the handgun at the two troopers. In fear for his life and the life of his partner," Trooper Brian Schweers fired several shots from his .40 caliber pistol, police said.

Authorities said that upon further investigation, the was found to be an inoperative replica, "but was very realistic looking."

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