Suspect Killed In Hunt Valley Towne Center Stabbing Incident Had Previous Assault, Burglary Convictions
HUNT VALLEY, Md. (WJZ) — The suspect in the Hunt Valley Towne Center stabbing incident from over the weekend has had run-ins with Baltimore police previously over the years.
Jamaal Ramone Taylor was arrested by city police on two separate occasions between 2010 and 2012 for burglary and second-degree assault, respectively.
Five people injured in the stabbing incident Saturday suffered non-life-threatening wounds and were treated at local hospitals.
Police released Taylor's mugshots from his two previous arrests:
The 31-year-old was seen and heard threatening people at the Hunt Valley Wine Liquor and Beer store before pulling out a knife and going on a stabbing spree.
Police said Monday that despite earlier reports, not all five victims were stabbed.
"One victim was struck with a blunt object," said Cpl. Shawn Vinson with the Baltimore County Police Department. "He suffered injuries as a result of that. And, it looks like a second victim may have been struck with something else."
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Police say Taylor fled from the shopping mall and then was shot and killed at the intersection of Shawan Road and McCormick Road after he refused to comply with officers demands to drop the knife he was holding.
There also may have been a separate incident with MTA police. WJZ is working to learn more details about that.
The two officers who fired shots are on routine leave.
Body-worn camera captured the shooting and will be released at a later time, police said.
Meanwhile, WJZ has confirmed the FBI has been on the scene assisting police in their investigation.
Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt posted a statement later Monday, expressing gratitude for officers' quick actions.
The statement reads:
"On Saturday afternoon, on a mild Fall day at the busy Hunt Valley Towne Centre, a man, armed with a knife, began randomly attacking shoppers. Fortunately, there was a quick response from members of the Baltimore County Police Department who were able to quickly stop the threat. Further, members of the Baltimore County Fire Department rapidly rendered aid to victims. I hope for a speedy recovery for the victims of this brazen attack.
"Our officers used the force that they believed necessary, under the circumstances, to protect the citizens of Baltimore County. Any loss of life is unfortunate and tragic, and we recognize the trauma associated with this situation.
"While we continue to review the circumstances that led to this situation, I want to again express my gratitude to the men and women of this Department who acted swiftly and courageously to bring a quick resolution to this unpredictable incident. We are appreciative of our local, state, and federal partners for their outreach and assistance during and following this incident."
Shoppers said the incident came as a shock to them.
"I was surprised. This is generally a very safe area. Stuff like this doesn't happen in Hunt Valley," said Julie Wheeler.
