Officer Didn't Intend to Shoot Burglary Suspect at Indus Market: Update

Updated at 4:25 p.m.

LAUREL, MD — A 20-year-old burglary suspect is hospitalized in stable condition after he was accidentally shot by a SWAT team member of the police department Sunday night in Laurel, officials say.

Police were called to the 900 block of Fourth Street for an alarm at the Indus Food International Market, according to a city news release. Several officers responded. A 15-year-old boy who fled from the scene was caught by police.

While officers were running after the teenager, four more officers with their weapons drawn went to the back of the business to search the building.

As the first officer opened the back door, he transferred the gun from one hand to the other.

City officials said the officer was startled by movement just inside the door, jumped back, and his weapon discharged. He shot the 20-year-old man, who was lying on some sheet metal stacked up in the drop-off by the door.

The officer -- who is a 17-year member of the department and afirearms instructor -- immediately gave first aid to the injured suspect, says the city, even consoling the injured burglary suspect while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

The suspect, who is from Nottingham, was taken to Med Star, and is in stable condition after surgery.

That officer is now on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is done routinely after a weapon is discharged.

Juvenile Services was contacted, but because of the nature of the burglary, did not take custody of the teenager. He was released to his mother. Charges are pending.

This is the first police involved shooting in the City of Laurel since 2003.