Man shot, killed by police after confrontation in Columbia

WASHINGTON – A Baltimore man wanted for holding his girlfriend hostage at gunpoint was shot and killed by police Thursday after a confrontation in Columbia, Md.

According to a warrant charging the suspect — who has not been identified — with assault, reckless endangerment and gun charges, he allegedly broke into an ex-girlfriend’s home just after midnight Thursday, held her at gunpoint overnight and assaulted her. The woman reportedly escaped in the morning, but the suspect fled with the couple’s 2-year-old son.

Police located the man Thursday night at a residence in the 9000 block of Constant Course in Columbia, which is in the Oakland Mills area.

Baltimore and Howard County police approached the home and were let in by a resident. Officers behind the house were confronted by the suspect, police say, and repeatedly ordered the man to show his hands. Police say the suspect did not comply, and a Howard County officer shot him during the confrontation.

The man was pronounced dead at Howard County General Hospital.

WTOP has confirmed that the 2-year-old was not at the home and was later found unharmed with a relative.

Police say the man’s name will be released after next of kin have been notified. There were no other injuries.

Detectives are working to determine the details leading up to the shooting. The officer will be placed on administrative duty during a standard internal affairs investigation.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up