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Man who fatally shot Maryland firefighter released from custody without being charged

Posted at 10:40 PM, Apr 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-17 07:42:58-04

PRINCE GEORGE Co., Md. – A man who fatally shot a firefighter responding to a call at his home has been released from custody without being charged with any crime, a police spokesman said Saturday.

“Yes, he was released from custody and as far as why charges have not been filed, call the state’s attorney office,” Prince George County Police spokesman Tyler Hunter said.

CNN was trying to reach the state’s attorney Saturday night for comment about the case. The police department did not provide the man’s name. He didn’t have to post any bond, Hunter said.

The man shot the firefighters and one of his relatives at his residence Friday night after the relative called “expressing concern,” the police department said in a statement. Specifics on the call were unclear, but authorities said it was medical-related.

“They knocked on the door and received no answer so they began to force entry so they could render care,” said Benjamin Barksdale, assistant fire chief for Prince George’s County.

The man opened fire, killing firefighter John Ulmschneider, 39, authorities said.

Kevin Swain, a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter, was shot four times and was in serious condition, police said. He is expected to survive.

The family member who called 911 also was shot, but the injuries are not life-threatening, authorities said.

Prince George’s County police officers rushed to the scene and arrested the suspect.

Ulmschneider was a paramedic and 13-year veteran of the county’s emergency medical services.

Colleagues said Ulmschneider was a father and husband.

“We are beginning to prepare to send our brother home,” Barksdale said.