No Charges After Fatal Police Shooting of Naked Knife-Wielding Man in Maryland

Attorney General finds officer's use of deadly force was justified in confrontation with 30-year-old suspect

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:08am

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The Maryland Attorney General's Office has concluded that no charges will be filed against a Cambridge police officer who fatally shot a 30-year-old naked man wielding a knife in September 2025. Investigators determined the officer acted reasonably in using deadly force after the suspect ignored commands to drop the weapon, resisted less-lethal methods, and charged at the officer.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when confronting individuals experiencing mental health crises or under the influence of substances. It also raises questions about de-escalation tactics and the appropriate use of force by police, especially in situations involving unarmed or mentally unstable suspects.

The details

According to the investigation, officers were called to the Deep Harbour Estates neighborhood in Cambridge, Maryland on September 4, 2025 for reports of a naked and suicidal man chasing people with a knife. The suspect, identified as Ryan Garcy, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon and continued advancing on Cpl. Jacob Weber even after being struck by Taser devices. Fearing for his life, Weber then fired multiple shots, striking Garcy in the neck and chest. Garcy later died at a local hospital.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in the late afternoon.
  • The Maryland Attorney General's Office spent months reviewing the case before announcing the decision not to file charges on April 1, 2026.

The players

Ryan Garcy

A 30-year-old man who was naked and wielding a knife when he was fatally shot by police in Cambridge, Maryland.

Cpl. Jacob Weber

The Cambridge police officer who shot and killed Ryan Garcy after the suspect charged at him with a knife, despite attempts to de-escalate the situation.

Maryland Attorney General's Office

The state agency that conducted a months-long investigation into the police shooting and ultimately determined the officer's use of deadly force was justified.

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What they’re saying

“When Corporal Weber attempted to retreat and move away, Mr. Garcy charged at Corporal Weber and then chased after him with a knife. Given these circumstances, we cannot prove that it was unreasonable for Cpl. Weber to believe that his life was in immediate danger.”

— Maryland Attorney General's Office, Investigators

The takeaway

This case highlights the difficult and sometimes tragic situations law enforcement officers face when dealing with individuals in the midst of a mental health crisis or under the influence of substances. While the use of deadly force is always a last resort, the Attorney General's findings suggest the officer acted within the bounds of the law to protect his own life when confronted with an immediate threat.