BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday evening in West Baltimore, officials announced.
According to a preliminary report, the incident took place around 7:15 p.m. on June 17 near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Laurens Street. Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers in an unmarked cruiser attempted to speak with a man carrying a crossbody bag. When one officer exited the vehicle and approached on foot, the man began to walk away.
As the officer followed, the man shifted the bag from his back to the front and then fled. A second officer exited the cruiser to assist, while a third officer nearby in a marked vehicle also responded on foot.
As the first officer attempted to detain the man, a firearm was discharged. Officers took cover, and the man then pointed a weapon at them, prompting three officers to return fire. The man was struck by gunfire, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.
Officers, crowd delayed medical aid after shooting
Officers initially could not render aid due to a crowd gathering around the scene, police said. Once the area was secured, officers administered first aid until EMS arrived. The man was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
One officer was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to the lower body. He is being treated at a local hospital.
The IID is leading the investigation, which is mandated under Maryland law for all police-involved fatalities. The officers involved were wearing body-worn cameras, and footage will be released in accordance with BPD and IID policy.
The names of the officers and the deceased will be released within two business days, unless an extension is granted.
