Crofton Police-Involved Shooting: Victim, Officer Identified In Fatal Mother-Son Dispute

CROFTON, MD — Officials on Wednesday released the name of the man fatally shot by police after a recent mother-son dispute in Crofton. Authorities also named the accused officer.

A new press 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.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is scheduled to share the body-camera video of the encounter in the coming days.

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 14 days of the encounter. It could take longer if Frosh's office needs more time to interview witnesses, conceal bystander identities or let family members see the video before it goes public.

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

RELATED:

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

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