Officer shoots robbery suspect in Balto. County

A Baltimore County police officer shot a man suspected in a string of robberies in Dundalk after he allegedly put a knife to a convenience store clerk's head, police said.

Police said a man walked into the Royal Farms Store in the 7700 block of German Hill Road about 12: 55 yesterday morning, brandished a knife and stole two cartons of cigarettes and money from a cash register. The man told the store clerk to walk toward the door, and put the knife to her back, said Bill Toohey, a county police spokesman.

Officer Harry Persuhn, a 15-year veteran, was patrolling the area and noticed that several milk crates in front of the store had been knocked down. That caught the police officer's attention, Toohey said.

Persuhn approached the store and saw the man and the clerk inside. The robber saw the officer, Toohey said, grabbed the woman and put the knife to her head.

The officer shot the man once in the neck as he tried to run through the front door holding the clerk, Toohey said. The clerk suffered a cut hand.

The suspect was treated at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and released, Toohey said.

Police have not released the man's name.

Persuhn was placed on administrative duty, Toohey said.