Robbery Suspect Found Dead After Shootout With Police In Woodlawn
WOODLAWN, Md. (WJZ) -- A robbery suspect was found dead early Monday after a pursuit and shootout with Baltimore County Police in Woodlawn, authorities said.
The sequence of events began shortly after 2 a.m. as officers investigated an armed robbery reported at a 7-Eleven convenience store on Windsor Mill Road near Woodlawn Drive, according to Baltimore County Police.
Police said two suspects were trying to lose police when their vehicle was involved in a hit-and-crash crash near Dogwood Road and Gwynn Oak Avenue. That's when police believe the suspects bailed out.
An officer came across one of the suspects near the corner of Englewood Avenue and Gilmore Street and the pair traded gunfire, according to police.
Police said K-9 units found one of the suspects dead nearby a short time later. It wasn't immediately clear Monday afternoon how the suspect died.
A firearm believed to be linked to the case was recovered from the scene.
The officer was hurt during the shootout, but his injury was not a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Based on a preliminary investigation, police believe only one officer fired his agency-issued firearm during the exchange of gunfire.
Police said the officer, whose name was not released, has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is routine for officer-involved deaths.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office and Maryland State Police are performing an independent investigation into the circumstances of the death.
Heavy police activity in the area Monday morning had neighbors, like Woodlawn resident Stephanie Perry, concerned.
"I seen police cars in my neighborhood, so I was just wondering," Perry said. "Not being nosy, but I live here and I was concerned, so I came out."
Others shared concerns about damage to bystanders' property, including a damaged pickup and car spotted near the scene of the hit-and-run.
"It's very unfortunate that it happened to very innocent people like that, with their cars and vehicle damaged," Lochearn resident Gabriel Nnamchi said.
Baltimore County Police are asking anyone with information about this case to come forward.
"We would ask anyone in the community, if you see anything suspicious or come across something, to please contact us immediately," spokesperson Joy Lepola said.