Off-duty Howard County deputy killed in Federal Hill shooting

BALTIMORE -- An off-duty Howard County deputy died after he was shot Thursday night over an argument at a bar in Baltimore, according to the Howard County Sheriff's Office. 

Officers responded shortly after midnight to the 1100 block of Charles Street in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood, where they found the 23-year-old victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, Baltimore police said. 

The victim, identified as Ryan Demby, was rushed to Shock Trauma, where he was pronounced dead, police said. 

Demby was a deputy who was off-duty at the time of the shooting, the Howard County Sheriff's Office said in a social media statement. The department said an argument happened at a bar before the shooting. 

"Our hearts are broken for the Demby family, Ryan's friends and colleagues, and our entire sheriff's office family," the department said. 

Investigators believe an argument happened before the shooting, police said. It's unclear whether Demby was involved in the altercation.

Travis Dover told WJZ he was walking home after watching the Orioles clinch the division when he some yelling, gunshots and sirens.

He said he found out the next morning that what he heard was a homicide. 

"Just sad for the family of the victim," Dover said. "No doubt that that hits close to home."

Morgan Higgins says violence like that makes her think twice about going out to the bars, even after games.

"That's when i get most scared, if it's like a random act," she said.

"Especially given the excitement around the orioles clinching last night, I think there will be some second thoughts about where we go in the evening," Dover said.

No further information was immediately available. This is a developing story and will be updated. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 410-396-2100. Those who wish to remain anonymous can utilize the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCK-UP.