Pittsford soldier stable after shooting with confusion of airsoft gun

(September 20, 2007) — A U.S. Army private from Pittsford is in serious but stable condition in a Maryland hospital after being shot multiple times in a confrontation with a police officer.

Pvt. Evan Parker, 22, was shot in the abdomen, leg and upper chest Monday at 11:20 a.m. by Sgt. James McGarvey at a motel in Aberdeen, Md.

Parker was carrying an airsoft gun similar to a BB gun and he "raised the weapon to a threatening position" at McGarvey, said Sgt. Fred Budnick, a spokesman with the Aberdeen Police Department. McGarvey then fired several shots at Parker.

"You can't tell the difference between that (airsoft gun) and the one I'm carrying right now," Budnick said.

Parker had been absent without leave from the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground since August and seems to have been at the motel with a relative, Budnick said.

Parker was taken to the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland for treatment. Budnick said Parker told officers and medical personnel he wanted to be shot by a police officer.

Police were called to the motel Sunday responding to a disturbance, but Budnick said it's unclear whether Parker was involved.

Police were called back to the motel Monday after guests complained that Parker was knocking on motel doors.

"There's an indication he (Parker) may have been looking for the relative," Budnick said. "Things kind of went downhill from there."

No charges have been filed yet against Parker, but he could face an assault charge for brandishing a weapon and possibly a trespassing charge for the motel disturbance. The case is being investigated by the Harford County State's Attorney Office.

Budnick said McGarvey was initially placed on administrative leave, but has returned to active duty.

Neither the police nor the Aberdeen Proving Ground could confirm whether Parker's parents had been notified, and no explanation was offered about why he was AWOL.