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2 Men Arrested After Aberdeen Police Officer Shot In The Face

ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ) -- The two men accused of shooting a police officer in Aberdeen are now in custody, following an hours-long manhunt. The Aberdeen officer was shot in the face while responding to a call overnight on Ohio Court near Baltimore Street.

Amy Yensi with the latest on the officer's condition and the suspect.

The police officer was rushed to Shock Trauma and is in stable condition. He underwent successful surgery after being hit in the eye with a shotgun pellet.

Meantime, both suspects are behind bars, facing attempted murder charges.

A middle-of-the-night confrontation ends with Officer Jason Easton shot in the face.

Officer Jason Easton

Police say 21-year-old Tyler Scott Testerman pulled the trigger, injuring the ten-year veteran with the Aberdeen Police Department.

"We've identified him as the triggerman in this incident, so we are looking at him for the injuries sustained to our officer," said Sergeant William Reiber, Aberdeen Police Department.

The shooting paralyzed the community, as detectives closed off streets and searched for clues.

It happened just after 3 a.m. Friday. Officer Easton was investigating a report of suspicious activity in the 500 block of Ohio Court.

Tyler Scott Testerman
Tyler Scott Testerman

That's when Testerman pulled out a shotgun and fired a shot, hitting the officer with six to eight projectiles. Investigators have recovered that .410 caliber shotgun.

Neighbors, who woke up to cop cars and a crime scene, say it's unusual for their quiet community.

"You don't usually don't hear nothing like that close to home," said neighbor Brian Scott.

The investigation forced Aberdeen schools to close Friday, as detectives searched for Testerman, who got away.

The manhunt ended about ten miles away from the scene at his girlfriend's house in Edgewood. As a SWAT team approached, Testerman surrendered.

"The suspect came out of the house and gave himself up, so the suspect is now in custody," said Chief Henry Trabert, Aberdeen Police Department.

Officer Easton is being treated for his injuries at Shock Trauma. He is in stable condition.

Aberdeen police say they have arrested a second person in the shooting. Scott Lawrence, 26, will also be charged with attempted homicide.

Scott Lawrence
Scott Lawrence

Aberdeen public schools will be back to normal operations on Monday.

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