2 Veteran Sheriff's Deputies Killed By 68-Year-Old Man In Md.

ABINGDON, Md. (WJZ) --  A community is in mourning, following the deaths of two sheriff's deputies. We're now learning more about the victims, the suspect and the events leading up to the violence.

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren with the investigation into this tragedy.

It has been a painfully emotional day. U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said these deaths show the dangers that police officers face on the job every day.

There was a procession, as the bodies made their way from Baltimore to the funeral home in Harford County.

WJZ is tracing the twisted path of David Brian Evans. Who is the man who gunned down two veteran Harford County sheriff's deputies -- 30-year veteran Patrick Dailey and 16-year veteran Mark Logsdon -- and why?

"If somebody wants to do something and they are properly equipped to do so -- as in Deputy Dailey's case -- there was no stopping it, there was nothing he could have done to prevent that," said Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, Harford County.

In various accounts, Evans' family members in Maryland say he'd only recently resurfaced in their lives after a 1998 encounter when he's believed to have shot his ex-wife and disappeared.

RELATED: Son: Gunman Who Killed 2 Deputies Had Emotional Problems

Hours before the shootings Wednesday, according to published reports, his ex-wife encountered him in the Panera and notified authorities.

But Deputy Dailey may not have known that danger lurked in the restaurant.

"As soon as they put those shoes on and those boots on and they clock in and they walk out the door to go to work, you don't know who's lurking around the corner," said Susan Luu.

WJZ has learned the semi-automatic handgun used in the killings was purchased legally.

"The location where he purchased it is no longer in business. Many aspects of whether he should have been permitted at this point and in possession are still part of the investigation," said Sheriff Gahler.

We've also obtained the warrant issued for Evans after a frightening incident last year in Maitland, Florida.

Officers there encountered him. Evans appeared nervous and panicked, fleeing the scene and driving the wrong way down a busy road. They called off the pursuit, and Evans later made his way to Harford County--possibly living in his car for months.

His estranged family feared he came to target them.

Instead, two men who served their community for decades paid the ultimate price.

"It's so sad. And it just happened in a split second. You never understand what another preson is thinking," Luu said.

Several GoFundMe pages have been set up to honor the fallen deputies.

To honor Patrick Dailey: https://www.gofundme.com/c3cbd6d8

To honor Mark Logsdon: https://www.gofundme.com/rtbbkpkk

Dailey, a former marine, is survived by his girlfriend, two children and his mother. Dailey also served with the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company. He received a Stay of Life award in 2003 for rescuing a driver pinned inside a burning car on Christmas Eve.

Logsdon, who previously served with the U.S. Army, is survived by his wife, three children and his parents. He too was honored with a Valor commendation in 2006 for getting a suicidal man to put down a shotgun.

RELATED: Slain Deputies Remembered For Bravery In The Line Of Duty

Three sheriff's deputies have been assigned to help the deputies' families grieve in the aftermath.

Gov. Larry Hogan ordered flags be flown at half-staff to honor the two deputies, effective Thursday until after funeral services are held.

"It is my hope that their commitment and dedication to law enforcement and protecting others will be remembered and will forever serve as an inspiration to others," Gon. Hogan said in a statement.

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman also ordered the county flag to be flown at half-staff.

Since the shooting, several memorials have popped up.

RELATED: Harford County Mourns the Loss Of 2 Fallen Heroes

Bel Air Town Commission Brendan Hopkins shared this reflection of the two deputies:

The last time a deputy was killed with the sheriff's office was in 1899.

A viewing will be held for Deputy Patrick Dailey from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. His funeral is Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Both will take place at Mountain Christian Church in Joppa. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Services are pending for Deputy Mark Logsdon.