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Greenbelt resident Brandon Alexander Turner, 23, who was previously described as an "evil perpetrator" by Sheriff Ricky Cox, was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Master Deputy James Flynt in December 2022.
On Friday, Oct. 11, the Calvert County Sheriff's Office announced that Turner has been sentenced to life in prison, with 40 years of active time for the attempted murder of Flynt.
Turner also received consecutive sentences for first degree assaults on Deputy Anthony Aranda and Deputy Tyler Bowen.
His total active period behind bars is 66 years.
The initial incident began at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 when sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Yellow Bank Road in Dunkirk, during which the suspect - later identified as Turner - sped away southbound on Route 4.
During the subsequent police pursuit, Turner began firing shots at deputies, striking one patrol vehicle, investigators said. Turner proceeded to the Walnut Creek subdivision in Huntingtown, where deputies were able to end the chase after utilizing a “pit maneuver” to stop him.
Turner then took off on foot, firing additional shots, one of which struck Flynt in the right leg, severing his femoral artery, prosecutors say. Turner then proceeded to run to a nearby development, where he was ultimately apprehended after suffering a gunshot wound of his own.
"Master Deputy Flynt was able to administer a tourniquet to himself before losing consciousness," Cox said at the time. "Other deputies dragged him behind cover and they, along with responding Calvert County EMS personnel, performed additional lifesaving measures."
Flynt was rushed to CalvertHealth Medical Center, where he was treated before being airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center to undergo multiple surgeries and ultimately returned home weeks later.
"In true Calvert County fashion, the citizens welcomed him home with a roadside reception that spanned miles," Cox added.
Due to the severity of his injuries, the agency didn’t know if Flynt would be able to return to the sheriff's office; however, after several surgeries and lengthy rehab, Flynt was back on the job full time.
"This is one of the hardest things I have had to do as the Sheriff," Cox continued. "Having been a combat veteran, I can tell you without a doubt, the things I saw on the body cameras amazed me.
"Not that I expected any different, but you never know how people will react in the line of fire. Our deputies executed flawlessly and without hesitation."
Turner was convicted by a jury in June of 16 separate offenses.
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