Maryland Transportation Officer Investigated for Bird Shootings

BALTIMORE (AP) — A Maryland Transportation Authority officer and two others are being investigated after authorities say they fatally shot several federally protected birds from a boat.

The Washington Post reports five birds were killed in the July 21 shooting, including a gull and a double-crested cormorant.

Over 300 rounds of ammunition for several guns were recovered.

Baltimore police say they received reports of people shooting at birds and a possible shooting in the direction of a cruise ship. The U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities then chased the boat for several miles to Bear Creek.

Police spokeswoman Nicole Monroe says the speech of the suspects was slurred and there were empty beer cans in the boat.

Police said charges are pending. The officer was placed on administrative duty during the investigation.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

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