Authorities said that a man was charged with three murders at his Maryland workplace. He took out a handgun from his vehicle and opened fire on his employees in a break-room.
Joe Louis Esquivel, 23 years old, was charged with murder and other charges in connection to Thursday’s shooting at Columbia Machine, Inc. in Smithsburg, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said that Esquivel, from Hedgesville, had worked before setting fire to co-workers at 2:30 p.m.
State police stated that he fled in a car before authorities arrived, but was stopped by police shortly afterwards.
According to state police, Esquivel opened fire upon troopers and at least one trooper responded and was wounded. Another trooper was wounded by the gunfire and has since been released from hospital.
According to the sheriff’s office, Esquivel was charged with three counts first-degree murder as well as three counts second-degree murder.
It said that he was also charged with attempted murder, assault, and other charges.
Esquivel is currently being held without bond. Esquivel is being held without bond according to online court records.
Three people were killed: Mark Alan Frey (50), Charles Edward Minnick Jr. (31) and Joshua Robert Wallace (30).
