Officer Fatally Shoots Armed Suspect In Glen Burnie, Woman Found Dead On Scene: Police

GLEN BURNIE, MD — An officer fatally shot an armed suspect Sunday in a Glen Burnie home, police announced. Authorities said they gave the man multiple warnings to drop his weapon and tried non-lethal force before gunshots were fired.

Investigators also said they found a woman dead upon arrival.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department declined to answer additional questions and identify anybody involved.

"This is a very traumatic scene for everyone involved," Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad said at a press conference. "It’s horrible that it occurred over the holidays. That is never acceptable during any time of the year, but it’s particularly more disturbing during the holidays."

A female called 911 in distress around 1:30 p.m. She told dispatchers that a male family member chased her and a child out of a house at knifepoint.

The caller also reported she could not find an older woman, whose vehicle was parked at the townhome in the 1400 block of Braden Loop. The female recalled seeing blood, causing her to worry about the elderly woman's safety.

Police knocked on the door several times while repeatedly identifying themselves. After getting no answer, officers forced their way in and found the suspect with an "edged weapon," officials said.

Authorities said they told the man to drop the weapon multiple times and he did not comply. Police then shot the suspect with several non-lethal projectiles, but saw little to no effect on the man. Officers then tased him multiple times and he was still uncooperative.

A police spokesperson said the suspect then raised his weapon toward law enforcement, prompting an officer to shoot him with at least one bullet.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department pronounced the suspect dead on the scene, authorities confirmed.

"These are difficult incidents to have to, one, manage but, two, make critical, split-second decisions," Awad concluded, offering her prayers to everybody involved. "These are very difficult calls."

Investigators said they eventually found the elderly woman dead in the home's mudroom. Authorities did not release the cause of her death.

In accordance with state law, county police turned the investigation over to the Office of Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh. His team will conduct an independent review of this officer-involved shooting.

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