Man Killed By Deputies In Harford County Was Army Soldier
BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) -- A suicidal man is shot and killed by deputies in Harford County. Now WJZ is learning more about the man and his connection to the military.
Amy Yensi has the latest on the investigation.
Travis Bradley was an Army soldier. Authorities say he wanted to go down in a shootout with the deputies, and he had all the weapons to do so.
Travis Bradley's girlfriend called deputies to his Bel Air home, saying he was suicidal and armed with a gun. Authorities say the 36-year-old fired at the deputies who came to help him.
"They didn't realize that he had a rifle. And when he exposed himself and started firing, their first indication was to get out of the way," said Major William Davis, Harford County Sheriff's Office.
For more than two hours, negotiators tried to convince Bradley to surrender. Neighbors on Althea Court were told to stay inside their homes.
"I was afraid, so I just stayed in the basement," said Mary Pearce.
We're told Bradley, a staff sergeant at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, threatened deputies with a gun and claimed to have explosives. When he walked towards the deputies with his hands in his pockets, they opened fire, killing him.
Investigators found two rifles and a handgun inside the house, as well as several rounds of ammunition, but no explosives.
Investigators also found evidence in Bradley's car that he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is common for members of the military.
In a statement to WJZ, Army Major General Bruce Crawford said: "The loss of any Soldier, regardless of the situation, is tragic. Right now our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the Soldier's family and all those impacted by this event."
"The day after the situation occurred, he was actually scheduled to go some place for help. Unfortunately, it didn't come soon enough," said Katie Colamonaco, neighbor.
Bradley was not armed when he was shot. The autopsy report is still pending.
There was no one else in the home at the time of the incident. No other injuries were reported.
