(WORTON, MD) – A Maryland state trooper has been charged with assault and suspended without pay following a physical altercation with a woman he was in a previous relationship with.
The trooper is identified as Sergeant Daniel T. Baxter, 32, of Worton, Md. He is charged with first degree assault, second degree assault, attempted second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. After processing, he will be taken before a District Court commissioner in Kent County for his initial appearance.
Early on the morning of August 2, 2015, members of the Maryland State Police were contacted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office regarding an assault investigation that involved a trooper. Criminal investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division responded and continued the investigation.
The investigation has determined Baxter and Kelly Hurd have been estranged, but met early on the morning of August 2nd and went to Baxter’s home. A physical altercation ensued during which each is reported to have assaulted the other. During the altercation, Baxter is reported to have threatened to kill Hurd. Hurd fled the residence and went next door to Baxter’s parent’s home. Baxter reportedly followed with an unloaded shotgun and a box of shells. His father reportedly intervened at that time.
Hurd went to the Chester River Medical Center for treatment of injuries she sustained to her head and face and was later treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Those injuries have been documented by State Police as part of the investigation.
State Police investigators contacted the Kent County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding this investigation on August 2nd. They were referred to the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office, which was reviewing the investigation and making a determination regarding charges.
In the interim, State Police investigators learned Ms. Hurd obtained a warrant for Baxter that was issued last night. State Police served that warrant on Baxter today about 1:30 p.m., when he turned himself in at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
Baxter was suspended with pay on August 2nd, after State Police commanders were advised of his involvement in this incident. Following the charges today, Baxter was suspended without pay. He has been a member of the Maryland State Police since 2002. He was most recently assigned to the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division.
The investigation is continuing.
