Message from Sheriff Ricky Cox

Our officers did not give up, instead they continued the pursuit and ultimately neutralized the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect still refused to surrender and got out of his vehicle firing several shots, seriously hitting Deputy Flynt. Deputy Flynt was able to administer a tourniquet before losing consciousness. Other deputies dragged him behind a shelter and, along with Calvert County EMS personnel, performed additional lifesaving measures. Our deputies continued to return fire, striking the suspect who cowardly fled into the nearby woods of a residential neighborhood. He was eventually captured, given emergency assistance and taken into custody.

Deputy Flynt was quickly transported to CalvertHealth Medical Center. I personally saw these heroes in the emergency room taking care of him. The responding deputies, EMS personnel, and hospital staff undoubtedly saved his life that night, but Deputy Flynt was not completely out of the woods. Once stabilized, he was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital. He had to undergo several surgeries and for a few days he didn’t know if they could save his leg. Our deputies and correctional deputies stayed with him 24/7 during his recovery. Once he recovered enough to be released, we took him home. In true Calvert County fashion, citizens welcomed him home with a roadside reception that stretched for miles. Due to the severity of his injuries, we were unsure if Deputy Flynt would ever return to full duty. However, after several surgeries, numerous painful rehabilitations and an exercise in true determination, I am proud to say that he has returned to full duty; work and do the work he loves.

The support he received from the citizens of Calvert County was incredible. It was so astonishing that our State’s Attorney, Bob Harvey, was concerned it might affect the trial and asked us to do our best to quell the outpouring of support coming from inside and outside the office . This is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do as sheriff. Having been a combat veteran, I can tell you without a doubt, the things I saw on body cameras amazed me. Not that I expected anything different, but you never know how people will react in the line of fire. Our deputies performed perfectly and without hesitation. They worked to eliminate the threat to our citizens without regard for themselves. I could not be more proud of the men and women of this department.

The trial finally began last week for Mr. Turner. I have watched the trial every day and I can tell you that prosecutor Bob Harvey and his team are extraordinary. He organized a trial that failed to place the blame anywhere other than where he belonged, Mr. Turner. He was convicted by a jury of attempted first-degree murder, several counts of first-degree assault and several other charges. I would like to thank the jury for their time and dedication in returning a fair verdict. Sentencing will take place in October.

I say all this to tell you what I already knew. We have the best deputies, emergency medical personnel, volunteers, dispatchers, State’s Attorney’s Office and civilian personnel in the world. But what makes the job worthwhile is the support that is regularly shown by the citizens of Calvert County. Your support allows us to do our job and do it right.

We will continue to send the message that if you commit crimes in Calvert County, we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable. Please continue to pray for all of our first responders and may the Lord continue to bless Calvert County!

Related