Shots Fired in Maryland Hostage Standoff

A murder suspect holding three people hostage for a third day fired shots out a window Sunday evening after several hours of calm following a morning burst of gunfire.

Authorities tried to avoid agitating the suspect, who was believed to be watching the ordeal on television.

Joseph Palczynski had been on the run since March 7, when police say he kidnapped his girlfriend, Tracy Whitehead, and killed the couple she was staying with and a neighbor. A fourth person was killed and a boy was wounded when Palczynski allegedly carjacked a vehicle, police said.

Whitehead escaped unharmed; police would not disclose her whereabouts. Palczynski later fled to Virginia, where he stole guns and forced a man to drive him back to Baltimore County.

Five bursts of gunfire Sunday morning were the first signs of activity since Palczynski took Whitehead’s mother and two others hostage Friday night. At least six rounds were fired from the home Sunday evening.

No injuries were reported and police did not return fire.

Palczynski stopped talking with negotiators for about an hour and a half Sunday morning, and police moved in with an armored vehicle and a bullhorn to urge him to resume communication.

“Joby, we need you to pick up the phone,” an officer said over the loudspeaker, using Palczynski’s nickname. Palczynski responded with shots, and the armored vehicle backed away.

He soon resumed talks but then fired more shots, spokesman Bill Toohey said. Later, police used a robot to send food into the house.