​Trooper First Class Plank stopped a vehicle on U.S. Rt. 13 south of Princess Anne, Somerset County, Maryland at Perry Road. He was backed up by Trooper Dennis A. Lord. Trooper First Class Plank issued a traffic citation to the driver of the vehicle; however, the driver used a fictitious name. Trooper First Class Plank became suspicious and approached the driver to inquire further. Trooper First Class Plank was shot once in the head by the driver. The driver then fired toward Trooper Lord. Trooper Lord returned fire and struck one suspect once in the arm and once in the head. The driver and passenger fled southbound on U.S. Rt. 13 to Rt. 413, continuing southbound on Rt. 413 towards Crisfield.​