Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch Monday, February 7, 2000
Add to My HeroesBruce Allen Prothero
Sergeant Bruce Prothero was shot and killed while working an overtime assignment at a local jewelry store at the intersection of Reistertown Road and Hooks Lane.
Two suspects had entered the store and displayed handguns. After taking jewelry, they exited the store and were pursued by Sergeant Prothero across the street. The suspects shot at Sergeant Prothero in the parking lot, striking him twice. Sergeant Prothero was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The suspects entered a getaway car driven by a third suspect and fled the scene. Two suspects were arrested several days later. The other two suspects were arrested approximately two weeks later in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All four assailants were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. One of the suspects died in prison on February 25th, 2008.
Sergeant Prothero had served with the Baltimore County Police Department for 13 years. He is survived by his wife and five young children, including triplets.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 13 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Four sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 73 ReflectionsI can't believe it's been this long already. I never met this family, but I lived right around the corner from them and know people who knew them. I saw Sgt. Prothero's brother and his wife, Ann, in Carolltown Mall not long after that tragic day. I had to do a double-take, as I thought it was him, carrying one of the triplets. I felt so bad for them. I hope they are doing well. I now work for BCoPD myself. I ride by J. Brown all the time, and I think about him, his family, and wonder how they are. I also see his picture on the memorial wall at Headquarters every day when coming to work.
Sharon Spinoso, Office Assistant
Baltimore County Police Department Headquarters
March 27, 2025
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