Maryland Trooper suspended without pay after being charged with domestic assault

WORTON, MD – According to the Maryland State Police a Maryland state trooper has been charged with assault and suspended without pay following a physical altercation with a woman he was in a previous relationship with.

The trooper was identified as Sergeant Daniel T. Baxter, 32, of Worton, Md. He is charged with first degree assault, second degree assault, attempted second degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

A domestic violence order against Baxter was dismissed on Aug. 7, 2015 by a District Court Judge in Kent County after Hurd requested the dismissal. That action by Hurd could lead to the dropping of the assault charges against both parties and the reinstatement of Baxter. The prosecutor could also proceed without a witness which may make any conviction problematic.   The State Police also conduct internal investigations which could lead to disciplinary action up to termination in spite of any action by prosecutors.

State Police report that early on the morning of August 2, 2015, the Maryland State Police were contacted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office regarding an assault investigation that involved a trooper. Criminal investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division responded and continued the investigation.

The police say that their investigation has determined Baxter and Kelly Hurd have been estranged, but met early on the morning of August 2nd and went to Baxter’s home. A physical altercation ensued during which each is reported to have assaulted the other. During the altercation, Baxter is reported to have threatened to kill Hurd. Hurd fled the residence and went next door to Baxter’s parent’s home. Baxter reportedly followed with an unloaded shotgun and a box of shells. His father reportedly intervened at that time.

Hurd, of 11450 Lynch Road in Worton, was charged with 17 counts of assault as well with Baxter, of 24857 Montebello Lake Road in Worton, listed as the complainant, according to Maryland court records for Kent County District Court. The charges against Baxter list Hurd as the complainant.

A previous divorce for Baxter appears in court records with him listed as the plaintiff in the action. No domestic violence incidents are listed in the records in association with that divorce.

Maryland State Police report that Hurd went to the Chester River Medical Center for treatment of injuries she sustained to her head and face and was later treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Those injuries have been documented by State Police as part of the investigation.

State Police investigators contacted the Kent County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding this investigation on August 2nd. They were referred to the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office, which was reviewing the investigation and making a determination regarding charges.

In the interim, State Police investigators learned Hurd obtained a warrant for Baxter that was issued Aug. 4th. State Police served that warrant on Baxter on Aug. 5th about 1:30 p.m., when he turned himself in at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.

Baxter was suspended with pay on August 2nd, after State Police commanders were advised of his involvement in this incident. Following the charges, Baxter was suspended without pay. He has been a member of the Maryland State Police since 2002. He was most recently assigned to the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division.