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Heartbreak In Abingdon After Deputies Killed In The Line Of Duty

ABINGDON, Md. (WJZ) -- Shock and disbelief across Harford County after two sheriff's deputies are shot and killed.

Rick Ritter with the grief being felt there now.

County officials tell WJZ one of the deputies killed was just months away from retirement. Many in the community say they never thought something like this could happen in such a quiet area.

An up and coming shopping center in Abingdon turns into a bloody crime scene Wednesday. Two Harford County deputies--both shot and killed.

"Outrage. Just makes you wonder what the world's coming to," said Jill Plesniak.

Just minutes after the shootout, news quickly spread across social media, pulling at hearts across the county.

"Never thought in your backyard something like this would happen," said Plesniak.

Matthew Rankin and Ocean City Brewing Company are right next door to Panera.

"We actually had some people who ran over from Panera who tried to seek some kind of refuge," said Rankin.

Their restaurant was on lockdown for hours.

"This whole area is very nice, it's very family friendly, and this stuff doesn't happen," Rankin said.

RELATED: Witnesses Recount Frightening Scene After Deputies Killed

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman went one-on-one with WJZ.

"Even in rural counties now across America, we are not immune to some of the violence that we've seen," he said.

Dwelling on a day that's unimaginable for the area.

"We have a close knit family here in Harford County, and everyone is going to have to pull together as we honor these two men who risked their lives to protect us," said Glassman.

A long road to recovery for a community in pain.

"My hearts just go out to their families, this whole community," said Plesniak.

RELATED: Fellow Officers Pay Their Respects To Fallen Sheriff's Deputies

Panera released a short statement, saying in part: "the company is heartbroken... Our thoughts and actions are now are directed towards the victims and their families."

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