Officer Who Shot Suspect Armed With Spear Won't Face Charges

COLUMBIA, MD — No charges will be filed in the fatal police-involved shooting that happened in Columbia last summer.

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced Tuesday that he would not seek charges in the June 9, 2025, fatal shooting that happened around 7:26 p.m. in the area of Oakland Mills Road and Carters Lane.

In a 911 call, the caller identified himself as Micah Booker and said he had just stabbed his brother. Booker provided a description of himself, his location and said he was armed with multiple items including a spear.

When a Howard County police officer arrived at the scene and found Booker holding a spear, the officer told Booker to drop the weapon. Booker did not comply and charged toward the officer while armed with the spear, authorities said. The officer fired his service weapon, shooting Booker.

Emergency medical services, who were already on scene, rendered aid. Booker was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the police department.

The Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division began investigating the fatal police-involved shooting on June 9, 2025, and wrapped up its investigation on Jan. 2. The Office of the Attorney General determined the involved officer did not commit a crime under Maryland law and would not be prosecuted.

A copy of the IID’s detailed investigative findings and analysis of relevant legal issues can be found in its declination report.