Police Officer Fatally Shoots Suspect Accused Of Making Threatening Gestures With Knife
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An internal police investigation is underway after police say an officer drew her weapon and fired on a man in West Baltimore.
It happened Wednesday morning in the 3300 block of Edmondson Avenue.
Alex DeMetrick reports at this point, investigators say this shooting is shaping up to be a case of self-defense.
Two blocks were sealed off on Edmondson Avenue in West Baltimore shortly after 9 a.m., after a female police officer shot a man who was allegedly brandishing two knives.
"He refused verbal commands. He did not drop the knives, so in fearing for her life, the officer fired upon the suspect," said Det. Kevin Brown, Baltimore City Police. "He was struck at least once in the lower abdomen."
The man was said to be alert and talking when taken to the hospital, but later died.
Neighbors have seen trouble here before.
"Every time you turn around, something is going on, man. Somebody get shot. You never hear any good news," said Eddie Johnson, neighbor.
At this point, it's not clear whether the man threatened anyone else with the knives before the officer arrived.
"It's just a little too early. We're waiting to get more witness statements and more statements from the officer," said Brown.
One thing is clear.
"It's so close to Thanksgiving and the holidays and everything. It's a shame," said another neighbor.
The officer was not injured. Neither she nor the man who was shot have yet been identified by police.
Whenever there is a police shooting, homicide detectives do an investigation and the officer is taken off the streets until that is complete.
