Officer Fatally Shoots Assault Suspect Who May Have Held Grill Fork

WHEATON, MD — A man who may have been holding a grill fork was shot to death by a Montgomery County Police officer Saturday night in Wheaton, authorities said.

The fatal shooting happened about 7:45 p.m. in the 3400 block of Janet Road after Montgomery County Police received a 911 call reporting an assault. Officers confronted a man in a yard holding something in his right hand, and shouted commands at the man to “drop the knife.” He did not comply, began to cross the street and one officer fired his service weapon, striking the man, a news release said.

The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the fatal shooting.

Officers immediately rendered medical aid and called for EMS, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A grill fork was recovered near his body.

No officers were injured.

State investigators generally release the name of the deceased person and officers involved within two business days.

Officers at the scene were equipped with body-worn cameras, which recorded the incident. Investigators will generally release body camera footage within 20 business days of an encounter.