Local
Maryland investigators probe fatal Hagerstown police shooting during apartment-fire response
A man died after Hagerstown officers fired at him on Randolph Avenue on Oct. 23, following a response that began when firefighters requested police assistance. The state’s Independent Investigations Division is investigating; officials have not said whether the man held either of two knives recovered at the scene.
A man died after Hagerstown police officers shot him during a response to an apartment fire on Randolph Avenue, Maryland’s attorney general’s office said Saturday, Oct. 24.
Firefighters responding to an emergency in the unit block of Randolph Avenue at about 4:50 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, encountered the man inside the apartment and asked police for help, according to a preliminary account from the state’s Independent Investigations Division.
Officers set up a perimeter around the residence. The man then ran toward them, investigators said. Officers gave verbal commands and used Tasers before firing their guns and striking him.
Emergency medical personnel who were already at the scene took the man to a hospital, where he later died. No officers were injured. Investigators said two knives were recovered, but the attorney general’s office has not said whether either was in the man’s hands when officers fired.
The Independent Investigations Division is handling the investigation. The man and the officers involved had not been publicly identified in the office’s Saturday release. The division generally releases names within two business days, though its protocols can allow more time.
The officers were wearing body cameras. The division generally releases footage within 20 business days, but said factors including witness interviews, privacy concerns, technical issues or arrangements for relatives to view the video may delay its release.
People with information, cellphone recordings or private surveillance video can contact the division at 410-576-7070 or IID@oag.maryland.gov.