According to authorities, Joe Louis Esquivel opened fire at about 2:30 pm at Columbia Machine, Inc., in Smithsburg.
Photo: Washington County Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy
The suspect in the shooting at a Maryland factory that left three workers dead and a fourth in critical condition Thursday was identified as Joe Louis Esquivel, 23.
Esquivel, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was charged with multiple charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault and possession of weapons.
According to the authorities, the young man opened fire at about 2:30 p.m. on Columbia Machine, Inc.and Smithsburg.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported this Friday that, after finishing his workday at the scene, Esquivel went to his car, got a gun, headed to the break room of the factory and shot the employees.
The fatalities were identified by authorities as Mark Frey, 50; Charles Minnick Jr., of 31; and Joshua Wallaceof 30.
After the attack, Esquivel fled in his Mitsubishi Eclipse until he was intercepted by state troopers about 10 miles from the scene.
the suspect exchanged fire with two patrol cars, one of whom was injured. Esquivel was eventually shot by agents.
Officers found additional weapons after conducting a search of the youth’s residence.
It is not clear what led the alleged attacker to commit the acts.