Towson Man Charged With Murder In Virginia Police Officer's Death

TOWSON, MD - A Baltimore County man has been arrested and is facing charges related to the deadly shooting of a police officer during a confrontation in Wintergreen, Virginia.

According to police, 23-year-old Daniel Barmak of Towson, Maryland, has been charged with capital murder, a pair of malicious wounding felonies, and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Barmak is currently detained at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

According to Virginia State Police, officers responded to an emergency concerning an assault by Barmak on two other males at the residence where they were staying. After calling the police, the two injured men, aged 23, managed to flee the scene.

Officer Wagner, aged 31, was the first to respond and found Barmak in a nearby woodland area. A struggle ensued, during which Barmak fatally shot Wagner, police said. Barmak also sustained gunshot wounds during the altercation.

Wintergreen Police and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office successfully apprehended Barmak following the shooting. The two assault victims and Barmak were all transported to UVA Medical Center to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

In a statement released on Facebook, Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell paid tribute to Officer Wagner, who had been a member of the force since August 2020. Chief Russell highlighted Wagner's commitment to his duties, his dedication to the community, and his love for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and nature photography.

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