A late-night call about a person threatening self-harm in Columbia turned deadly early today when Howard County police shot and killed a man outside an apartment building after he allegedly approached officers while armed with a knife. Officers and medics tried lifesaving measures at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead there, and no officers were injured, according to officials.
Scene and timing
Police were dispatched around 12:09 a.m. to the 6400 block of Freetown Road for a report that someone might harm themselves, according to The Banner. Officers found the man outside the building about 13 minutes after the initial call. Authorities say the situation escalated when he advanced toward officers while holding a knife, and that police opened fire during the confrontation.
What officials said
In a departmental statement, police said the man "approached officers while holding a knife and did not adhere to requests to drop it," according to The Banner. The release states that officers attempted to render aid after the shooting and that no officers were hurt. Authorities have not yet released the man's name.
Independent probe
The Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division has taken over the probe into the police-involved fatal shooting, as required by state law whenever someone dies following police action. The division will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review any available body-worn camera footage before issuing its findings, according to the Maryland Attorney General's Office. That review can take days or weeks, depending on how many witnesses need to be interviewed and how much material investigators must sort through.
What comes next
Investigators are asking anyone who has cellphone or surveillance video of the encounter to contact the Independent Investigations Division or the Howard County Police Department. The Howard County Police Department website provides information on how to submit tips and footage. Officials have not said whether any criminal charges could result from the incident, and IID's review will determine whether further action is warranted.
