Maryland police chief identified as cop in deadly shooting

Baltimore, MD – State officials have released the names of both the man killed and the officer involved in a fatal police shooting in Riverdale on Tuesday.

The decedent has been identified as 45-year-old Tesfa Leith of Riverdale, according to the Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. The officer who discharged his weapon was David Morris, Chief of the Cheverly Police Department. Morris has served as CPD chief for two years following 38 years of prior law enforcement service.

Investigators say the incident unfolded around 4:55 p.m. on the 6600 block of Greenland Street as officers from Cheverly and Prince George’s County responded to a stabbing report. On scene, police encountered Leith carrying two knives. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapons, he advanced toward officers.

A PGPD officer deployed a taser, but it was ineffective. Chief Morris then fired his weapon, striking Leith. He was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency aid efforts failed.

Two knives were recovered, and no officers were injured.

By law, the IID does not typically investigate incidents involving police chiefs. However, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office referred the case to the IID citing independence and public confidence. The investigation remains active.

Witnesses with information are urged to contact IID investigators at 410-576-7070 or IID@oag.state.md.us.

A deadly confrontation in Riverdale has now entered the hands of state investigators.

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