FREDERICK, Md. — A Frederick Police Department officer fired his weapon early Saturday morning after a driver accelerated toward him during an attempted traffic stop on a dead-end street, authorities said.
The incident began around 2:50 a.m. when officers responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in the 1300 block of Mulberry Court. The vehicle was reportedly linked to earlier reports of break-ins in the area, according to police.
When an officer located the vehicle and attempted a stop, the driver failed to comply and turned onto Mulberry Court, which ends in a cul-de-sac. Police said the officer got out of his patrol car and began issuing commands.
At that point, the driver accelerated toward the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his service weapon. The vehicle, struck by gunfire, fled the scene and was later discovered unoccupied nearby.
No injuries to the officer or any bystanders were reported, and the suspect or suspects remain at large as of Saturday morning.
Investigation under way by sheriff’s office
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the investigation to maintain impartiality. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, which the department described as standard procedure.
In a statement shared on social media, the Frederick Police Department said it is cooperating fully with the sheriff’s investigation.
Authorities have not released the identity of the officer or provided a description of the suspect vehicle.
Police have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made or if the break-ins earlier in the night were definitively connected to the suspect vehicle.
The Frederick Police Department said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
