Trigger-Pullers In Fatal Police-Involved Shooting In Frederick County Were HoCo Officers: Chief

Two police officers from the Howard County Police Department were involved in a deadly shooting in Mount Airy Monday afternoon, according to Police Chief Gary L. Gardner.

The investigation was related to a series of burglaries in multiple jurisdictions, Gardner said.

After observing a burglary in progress on Manor Drive in Mount Airy, the officers contacted the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, which advised them to conduct a traffic stop.

Instead of stopping, the suspects rammed a Howard County police vehicle and drove at officers who were outside the vehicle in the area of Penn Shop Road at MD 27, Frederick County officials said.

Two officers shot at the suspect, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to authorities.

A woman who was in the vehicle with the fatally shot suspect is in police custody, the Frederick-News Post reported.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while the Howard County Police Department will also conduct its own internal investigation.

"It is a difficult day when there is an incident that results in the loss of life," Gardner said in a statement. "The two officers, who are members of a specialized unit focused on repeat offenders, have been placed on standard administrative leave. Neither was injured in the incident."

Southbound MD 27/Ridge Road was closed in the area of Penn Shop Road for the investigation. See the latest lane closure information from state transportation officials.

Full statement from Howard County Police Chief Gary L. Gardner on the fatal shooting on Monday, July 10:

"Earlier today, two Howard County police officers were involved in a fatal shooting in Mt. Airy, on the Frederick side of the county line. The Howard County officers were in Frederick County as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation into a series of ongoing burglaries.

"Because the incident occurred in Frederick County, it is being investigated by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. I have been in touch with Sheriff Jenkins and assured him that Howard County Police will cooperate fully in their investigation and provide them with any information or assistance they need. I am confident Frederick County will conduct a thorough and detailed investigation.

"In addition, the Howard County Police Department will initiate its own internal investigation, which is standard in all police-involved shootings. The two officers, who are members of a specialized unit focused on repeat offenders, have been placed on standard administrative leave. Neither was injured in the incident.

"It is a difficult day when there is an incident that results in the loss of life. We will continue to work with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office to ensure investigators have access to all the information and assistance they need."

File photo.