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The Shooting of Officer John Stem
Officer John W. Stem died on October 24, 2000 from complications of a gunshot wound received in 1977. Officer Stem and Patrolman Charles Huckeba had responded to the scene when the suspect, Albert S. Fessenden, 19, opened fire on them.
Patrolman Huckeba was shot in the face and later died of the injuries. During the incident Officer Stem was shot in the back and paralyzed from the waist down. He remained paralyzed and until he died from his injuries 23 years later.
The suspect, who was high on PCP at the time, was shot and killed by the department's tactical unit later in the day.
Despite his injuries, Officer Stem returned to duty with the Baltimore County Police until he retired in 1990.
According to "Officer Critical After Shootout," (Baltimore Evening Sun, July 7, 1977, pages C1 and C3), the suspect engaged the police in a gun battle from his home in the 7400 block of Brunswick Road. After that battle the police recovered nine weapons including a M-1 Carbine, two .30-06 military rifles, three 12-gauge shotguns, one 20-gauge shotgun, two .22-caliber rifles and assorted ammunition. These firearms were owned by the suspect’s father.
The suspect was due to appear in Court on several drug charges and drug paraphernalia, including PCP was found in his home.
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