The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division is investigating a fatal shooting by a Howard County police officer after a man armed with a spear allegedly advanced toward officers during a response to a reported stabbing in Columbia on June 9, 2025.
Per the news release distributed Tuesday, June 10: “The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Monday, June 9, 2025, at approximately 7:25 p.m., the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) received a 911 call reporting a stabbing in the 9200 block of Wilber Court. Moments later, a second 911 caller reported that he had stabbed a family member and was located near a bus stop at Oakland Mills Road and Carters Lane, armed with multiple weapons.
HCPD officers and emergency medical services responded. When officers arrived at the bus stop at approximately 7:30 p.m., they encountered an adult man armed with a spear. Officers issued verbal commands for him to drop the weapon, but the man did not comply and—while holding the spear—advanced toward one of the officers. As the officer backed away, he discharged his service weapon, striking the man. Emergency medical services, who had arrived on scene as the incident was unfolding, immediately rendered aid.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. A spear was recovered near the man. None of the officers were injured.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at
[email protected]
.
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and the discharging officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocol.
The officers on scene were equipped with body-worn cameras, which recorded the incident. The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.”
