Body Camera Video Release Postponed After Fatal Crofton Police-Involved Shooting

CROFTON, MD — Officials on Monday postponed their release of the body camera video showing a fatal police-involved shooting in Crofton. Authorities said the delay will let investigators conduct untainted witness interviews.

"While typically we are able to interview relevant witnesses within 14 days so that the video may be released, we cannot always," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh's office said in a press release. "To ensure witness interviews are not compromised by their viewing of external evidence, the release of the body-worn camera footage from the January 30th shooting will be delayed."

Officials last Wednesday released the name of the man fatally shot by police after a recent mother-son dispute in Anne Arundel County. Authorities also named the accused officer.

That release identified the deceased son as 20-year-old Dyonta Quarles Jr. of Crofton. Officials said the first responder who shot Quarles is Police Officer First Class J. Ricci.

The officer has been with the Anne Arundel County Police Department for three years. Ricci is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol. He has 11 years of law-enforcement experience.

Officers responded to the 900 block of Danville Court on Jan. 30 around 4:05 a.m. when the mother called 911 to report the dispute, Frosh's original release said. The mother told authorities her son would not let her leave the bedroom.

The release said the woman told police she could not get to the front door, and she instructed the responding officers to enter. Police forced entry and found the mother and her son in an upstairs bedroom.

Officers ordered the son to get on the ground. The son started to assault the police when they tried to put him in handcuffs, officials said.

An officer used their taser, but it did not take effect. An Anne Arundel County Police Department officer then shot the son with his department-issued gun, the release said.

Authorities said medics pronounced the son dead on the scene.

The officer who fired the shot was in serious but stable condition and went to an unnamed hospital, the release said.

Frosh's Independent Investigations Division usually releases the name of the deceased and the officers involved within 48 hours of the death. This time took longer. The timeframe may extend if there is reason to believe an officer’s safety is at risk.

The body-worn cameras of the involved officers were active during the call, Frosh's team said. Investigators will typically release this footage within two weeks of the encounter. This also took longer than planned.

Frosh is still investigating the case. He has not issued any charges.

RELATED:

• Crofton Police-Involved Shooting: Victim, Officer Identified
• Police Fatally Shoot Son After Fight With Mom In Crofton: Update
• Man Killed, Officer Injured In Crofton Shooting: Report

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