Police Identify Victim, Officer Involved in Dundalk Shooting

Baltimore County police Monday identified a man shot and killed by police in Dundalk Sunday morning, as well the officer who fired his weapon.

The man, identified as Joshua Michael Lopez, 22, of La Marque, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer who fired his weapon is Officer Heins, an 11-and-a-half-year veteran of the department, currently assigned to North Point Precinct 12.

Baltimore County police do not release the first names of officers involved in shooting incidents.

Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Seaside Road and Dunmanway, near the entrance of Merritt Point Park, to check on reports on several people with backpacks walking toward the trailer park, according to police spokeswoman Cpl. Cathy Batton.

Officers found one man matching that description in the 7800 block of Seaside Road.

While the officers were interviewing the man, he became combative. One officer and the suspect began to struggle on the ground, according to a statement from Batton.

The officer felt the suspect pulling on his gun belt, attempting to take his weapon. A second officer used pepper spray on the suspect, but that did not stop him.

"Fearing for their safety, the second officer then discharged his weapon, striking the subject," according to the statement.

Lopez was allegedly carrying stolen property, according to police.

Heins, who has not been involved in any previous police-involved shootings, has been placed on routine administrative leave, according to the statement.