Armed Robbery Suspect Killed By Police Identified

SILVER SPRING, MD — Authorities have released the name of the armed robbery suspect who was fatally shot by a police officer while trying to flee a Silver Spring bank Wednesday.

Montgomery County Police have identified the man as 31-year-old Mikyas Mehary Tegegne, of no fixed address. Detectives said they believe Tegegne also committed a robbery at the Sandy Spring Bank located at 8401 Colesville Road on Dec. 24.

Asst. Chief Marcus Jones on Wednesday said Tegegne entered the BB&T Bank in downtown Silver Spring, demanded $20,000 in cash, and claimed to have a bomb in his backpack. When the bank manager went to the teller line, as if to retrieve the money, the "panic button" was pressed. It is not immediately known who pressed it.

Once Tegegne heard sirens, he fled the BB&T Bank without the money, Jones said. He then slipped into an alley behind the building, near the Silver Spring Metro, and was confronted by a Montgomery County police officer.

Officials on Thursday identified the officer as Christopher LaPointe, a two-and-a-half-year veteran of the department.

Following a confrontation, LaPointe shot Tegegne. He was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, where he died, Jones said.

Per standard protocol, LaPointe has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, officials said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.

Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia