Man Killed In Forest Hill Encounter With Deputies: Harford Sheriff

FOREST HILL, MD — A man is dead and two officers are on routine leave following a deputy-involved shooting in Forest Hill Saturday, according to authorities.

Officers were called around 2:45 p.m. to handle a report of a suicidal person believed to be in possession of a long gun, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

After searching for nearly an hour and conversing with the man over the phone, investigators said they found him behind the CVS in the 1500 block of Rock Spring Road in Forest Hill.

"The interaction concluded with the deputies discharging their firearms," the Harford County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The man was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment of a gunshot wound, according to the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, which provided support so a Maryland State Police helicopter could land on MD 24. The man was taken by medevac to a regional trauma center, according to Rich Gardiner of the fire company.

Officials said the man died from his injuries at the hospital. He was not publicly identified.

The Maryland attorney general's office was called to investigate the death in accordance with a state law passed in October 2021 mandating that it handle all police-involved fatalities.

"At this time, investigators are on the scene, and this remains an active investigation; members of the community can expect police activity to continue for several hours," the Harford County Sheriff's Office said in a statement at 7:40 p.m.

Authorities said two deputies were placed on routine administrative leave in connection with the shooting.

Help For Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available to help.

Call the Klein Family Harford Crisis Center at 410-874-0711 or the 24/7 crisis hotline at 800-NEXT-STEP (800-639-8783). The hotline is operated by behavioral health professionals who can help direct callers to behavioral health, mental health and addiction treatment resources.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.

PREVIOUS REPORT: A deputy was involved in a shooting on Rock Spring Road Saturday afternoon, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

The shooting occurred in the area of Rock Spring Road at Spenceola Parkway, officials said.

After 5:15 p.m., authorities reported MD 24 was closed from Spenceola Parkway to Forest Valley Drive.

No deputies were injured, and there was no active threat to the community, according to authorities.

"Avoid the area while we continue this active investigation," the Harford County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.