Questions Linger After 2 Firefighters Shot In Temple Hills

TEMPLE HILLS, Md. (WJZ) -- Questions remain unanswered after a Prince George's County firefighter was gunned down when responding to a routine call. A second firefighter was also shot, but he's expected to survive.

Rick Ritter has new developments in the investigation and whether charges will be filed against the shooter.

The state's attorney says it's certainly possible charges will be filed. Right now, they're waiting to speak to key witnesses as they try to figure out whether or not this was a tragic mishap.

Nearly 72 hours later, there are still very few answers in what turned a routine call for Prince George's County firefighter John Ulmschneider into his last.

"This past Friday evening about 7:30, we lived our worst nightmare," said Fire Chief Marc Bashoor.

Friday night, Ulmschneider and 19-year-old firefighter Kevin Swain responded to a welfare call in Temple Hills. A man couldn't reach his diabetic brother after knocking several times. He worried there was a seizure. Firefighters broke down the door. Seconds later, gunshots erupted from the inside, killing Ulmschneider and wounding Swain.

"We had the brother on scene, who was stating that he believed there to be a medical information. Quite frankly, that's more information than we generally have," said Police Chief Henry Stawinski.

Investigators say the shooter quickly surrendered to police and has been consistent in his interviews. Right now, he's no longer in custody and no charges have been filed.

"It's always possible. Again, we are less than 72 hours into the incident," said the state's attorney, Angela Alsobrooks. "Those are the things that we have to wait on to find out, whether the shooter's actions were necessary and whether or not they were reasonable."

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As they wait on witnesses and key evidence.

"The facts that we want to place that charge aren't in our possession," said Stawinski.

A memorial continues to grow for Ulmschneider in Landover Hills. Meanwhile, the department is now questioning their own procedures.

"We will have a process that more clearly identifies what our folks should do on welfare checks that doesn't exist today," Bashoor said.

The Prince George's County fire chief said Ulmschneider, 13-year veteran and Swain both made their presence known before they made entering the home.

"They did exactly what they were trained to do. They did all the right things based on all the information they had in front of them," said Bashoor.

Ulmschneider leaves behind a wife and two-year-old daughter.

The shooter's sister told the Washington Post her brother was trying to defend himself and thought someone was trying to break inside his home. His gun was legally owned and registered.

Firefighter Swain remains hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery.

The funeral for Firefighter Ulmschneider will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. in Hollywood, Maryland.