Near 4 p.m. Thursday, police in Southern St. Mary’s County were called to respond to the Lexington Park Sunoco service station across from Exploration Drive for a deer in the store.
Police quickly arrived to find a deer had entered the gas station through the large bay doors and became trapped and seriously injured in a showroom.
The Bay Net was told that the animal became frightened in the store, ran down a hallway and leaped over a counter, where it broke at least one leg in a compound fracture and began bleeding heavily.
After a short time, an employee made the decision to take the deer out of its misery using one shot from a handgun.
Police on the scene refused to use their firearms due the established procedure and the fact the animal was in a business and close to Route 235.
During the ordeal the county’s animal control officer responded to the scene. The animal was dragged out still moving some. The animal warden used his firearm to finally end the deer’s suffering.
The Bay Net is showing monochrome photos due to the amount of blood visible.