Attempted Murder Charges For Off-Duty Officer Shot After Standoff

BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) -- An off-duty Baltimore County Police Officer shot by Harford County Sheriff's deputies following an armed standoff at the officer's home south of Bel Air last week was arrested Tuesday, according to online court records.

Records show James L. Ward, 42, of Stratton Court, posted bond the same day a warrant for his arrest was served. He's charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree assault, all felonies, according to court records.

Authorities were called to Ward's home just after noon April 21 for a suicidal man who had been drinking, police said. Shots had been fired amid a domestic dispute inside the home, according to deputies, and authorities surrounded the home.

Deputies later heard additional gunshots and called for backup.

At some point about 2:40 p.m., after negotiations between Ward and authorities had broken down, Ward allegedly fired multiple shots toward deputies outside the home. Two deputies returning fire wounded Ward, who was taken into custody and later airlifted to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

Afterward, Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson said the 19-year veteran would be suspended without pay once Harford County filed felony charges.

The deputies who shot him were placed on administrative leave, which is routine protocol for shootings.