MEDIA RELEASE: UPDATED INFORMATION, Subject Charged
On August 6, 2017 at approximately 11:38 AM, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Washington County Water Treatment Facility, 10221 Crystal Falls Drive, for a reported shooting.
A Water and Sewer employee, identified as Bradley Michael Dick, 32 of Falling Waters, West Virginia, stated he had been conducting routine checks at the facility when he heard what he described as gun shots and was struck in the leg.
Dick was transported to Meritus Medical Center for the treatment of a minor injury to his leg.
Personnel from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Natural Resources, and a helicopter from the Maryland State Police responded to the area to conduct a search for the suspect however none was located.
During a search of the property, detectives located three apparent bullet impacts. The first area of impact was in the ground near a rear gate where Dick stated he had walked back through after obtaining a water sample. The second and third impacts were located on the door to the building where Dick said he ran during the shooting.
In addition, detectives located and collected several apparent bullet fragments from a concrete walkway area in front of the building where Dick ran during the shooting. Based on the location of the apparent bullet impacts and Dick’s statement it was believed the shots would have possibly originated from a hillside/ridge which runs along the northwest side of the water treatment facility.
A Forensic Scientist with the Western Maryland Regional Crime Laboratory, walked through the entire scene, photographed the area, and took measurements of the door of the building, as well as measurements of the height of a chain-link fence that surrounds the property.
Using a tripod and trajectory rod, the Forensic Scientist evaluated the apparent bullet impact site, as well as a tape measure and angle meter to evaluate the impact locations on the door of the building.
It was determined that the bullet could not have originated from where Dick claimed the shooter was.
After further investigation, detectives discovered that Dick owned a .22 caliber revolver, which was consistent with the bullets fragments recovered from the scene of the incident.
At the request of detectives, Dick submitted to a polygraph examination, which was conducted by the Maryland State Police.
At the conclusion of the examination it was determined that Dick went to the Water Treatment Plant on Saturday, August 5th, 2017 and fired the shots into the ground and into the door using his revolver.
Dick returned to the Water Treatment Plant on Sunday, August 6th, 2017 and used a nail to inflict the wound on his leg. Dick then called 911 and made up the story about being shot.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has charged Dick with False Statement to Officer and Malicious Destruction Property/Value -$500.
Dick was charged via Criminal Summons.