Man Who Shot & Killed Firefighter Faces Weapons Charges

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- The Maryland man who admitted to shooting two firefighters sent to check on him is facing weapons charges. One firefighter was killed; the other is still recovering.

Jessica Kartalija reports the department chief says they are changing the way they respond to welfare calls.

The man who shot the officers isn't being charged with murder but faces half a dozen weapons charges.

What was considered a routine call for Prince George's County firefighter John Ulmschneider quickly turned deadly. Ulmschneider and 19-year-old firefighter Kevin Swain went to a home in Temple Hills after a man called, concerned about his diabetic brother.

After knocking several times with no response, the firefighters burst through the door. That's when the man, Darrell Lumpkin, fired several shots, killing Ulmschneider and injuring Swain and Lumpkin's brother.

"Mr. Lumpkin was convicted of assault back in 1980. Because of that assault conviction, he was disqualified from owning weapons and the grand jury decided to return six counts of weapons charges," said Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks. "Those charges carry a maximum penalty of 60 years, although we believe it would be 40 years maximum exposure."

Now firefighters are changing the way they respond to welfare calls.

"If you don't see something, hear something or smell something and there are no extenuating circumstances, we are going to wait until police get there and we have protection to make entry," said Deputy Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale.

Ulmschneider was a 13-year veteran with the department. He leaves behind his wife and two-year-old daughter.

"We continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to the families of both of these firefighters," Alsobrooks said. "One gave his life."

Police found a total of three handguns in Lumpkin's home.

Kevin Swain, the other firefighter who was shot, in continuing to recover.