Booby Trap, Rifle Found At Man's Home Before Fatal SWAT Shooting

POTOMAC, MD — A Potomac man who was shot and killed by police last week had a "booby trap" affixed to his bedroom door that was designed to fire a shotgun shell at anyone who entered, authorities said.

The deadly encounter with police happened in the 12200 block of St. James Road on March 12.

According to Montgomery County police, SWAT officers obtained a "no-knock" warrant to search the home of Duncan Socrates Lemp, 21, after receiving an anonymous tip that he illegally possessed firearms.

Due to his criminal history as a juvenile, Lemp wasn't allowed to possess or purchase a firearm in the state of Maryland until he turned 30, police said.

Around 4:30 a.m., SWAT officers entered Lemp's home and identified themselves as police.

Authorities said an officer gave Lemp "multiple orders" to show his hands and to get on the ground.

Lemp refused to comply with the officer's commands and proceeded to his bedroom, where the other officers were.

Police said they found a rifle.

They also discovered a device affixed to the inside frame of the exterior door leading to Lemp's bedroom. Police said the device was a "booby trap" designed to detonate a shotgun shell at anyone entering through the exterior door into Lemp's bedroom.

The other person in the room reportedly warned authorities about the "booby trap" and said Lemp would sleep with the rifle each night.

When officers searched Lemp's home they found three rifles, two handguns, and other evidence.

It is unclear when Lemp was shot by police. But the officer who killed Lemp was placed on administrative leave, which is standard police procedure.