Police Identify Sheriff's Deputy Who Fatally Shot Driver

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The Montgomery County sheriff's deputy who fatally shot a driver who attacked him Saturday has been identified as an 18-year-veteran of the force, authorities said.

Sgt. Frank Pruitt shot and killed Kevin Costlow, 52, of Laytonsville, on Maryland Route 108 near Fieldcrest Road, according to the sheriff's office.

He has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard protocol following deputy-involved shootings.

The incident happened around 8 a.m. Saturday. Authorities said Costlow was driving erratically in a Volkswagen sedan and caused two car accidents on Md. 108.

One driver swerved to avoid Costlow but crashed into a telephone pole. Costlow then crashed head-on into a second vehicle and tried attacking the people inside with a large piece of wood, authorities said.

When Pruitt arrived on the scene, authorities said Costlow struck him "with a long piece of wood in the area of the head and neck."

Then Pruitt shot and killed Costlow.

Authorities said Pruitt may have used his taser, but it is unclear whether it activated. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Montgomery County police are now investigating Saturday's deputy-involved shooting. Once that investigation is over, evidence will be turned over to the Howard County State's Attorney's Office for review.

A long-standing agreement between the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office and the Howard County State's Attorney's Office says that when an officer-involved death occurs in one county, the other will review the event.