Man Dies In Deputy-Involved Shooting In Havre de Grace: Sheriff

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — One man is dead and several deputies are on administrative leave after a shooting Thursday morning in Havre de Grace. Officials said the incident involved an armed man who was suicidal.

Deputies were called to the 4400 block of Colt Lane for a report of an armed suicidal person at 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, according to the sheriff's office.

Steve Huff, 58, had a firearm when deputies found him in the driveway of a residence, where officials said that he was making statements consistent with suicide.

Deputies established a perimeter and called for its special response team to handle the incident.

For about 30 minutes, deputies tried to negotiate with Huff.

"As a direct result of his threatening and escalating actions, which included him suddenly advancing towards the deputies, multiple deputies fired upon Huff for fear of their personal safety and that of the surrounding community," the Harford County Sheriff's Office said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

A SWAT medic gave medical assistance to Huff, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, authorities said. No deputies or civilians were injured during the incident, according to officials.

"Any loss of life is tragic. Today, our deputies had to employ deadly force, a last resort for our personnel, and this action ended the life of a man who was struggling with thoughts of suicide, but sadly, his actions put other lives at risk," Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said in a statement.

"Earlier this week, we attended the ribbon cutting of the new 24/7 crisis center in Harford County," Gahler said. "Today is a sobering reminder of its great need."

RELATED: Harford Crisis Center Named in Honor of the Klein Family

At the scene, the Harford County Sheriff's Office collected forensic evidence as part of the investigation into the incident. The deputies involved were placed on routine administrative leave.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Harford County State's Attorney's Office for review.

Help For Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available to help.

Residents of Harford County may call a 24/7 crisis hotline at 800-NEXT-STEP (800-639-8783) operated by behavioral health professionals who can direct callers to behavioral health, mental health and addiction treatment resources.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.

The Klein Family Harford Crisis Center will open its walk-in urgent care clinic June 10. It will offer a 24/7 alternative to emergency department treatment for adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis from its location at 802 Baltimore Pike in Bel Air. It is a partnership among Harford County, Upper Chesapeake, Union Hospital and Harford County Health Department.

SEE ALSO: First 24/7 Crisis Hotline Established in Harford County