Clinton Man Killed in Police-Involved Shooting in Charles County

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A 36-year-old Clinton man was killed in a police-involved shooting in Charles County, Maryland on Wednesday afternoon. Officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant when the man allegedly took out a machete and raised it above his head, prompting two officers to open fire. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and no officers were injured.

Why it matters

Police-involved shootings continue to be a sensitive and controversial issue, with ongoing debates around use of force, de-escalation tactics, and officer training. This incident raises questions about the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting and whether alternative approaches could have resolved the situation without loss of life.

The details

According to prosecutors, Charles County Sheriff's Office officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to Demarcus Irish at a residence in White Plains when the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. When officers approached Irish, he allegedly took out a machete and raised it above his head while facing them. In response, two officers - Sgt. Andrew Coulby and Police Officer First Class Brennan Kunz - fired their guns, striking Irish. Officers rendered medical aid but Irish was pronounced dead at the scene. A machete was recovered near the man's body, and no officers were injured.

• The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2026.
• The involved officers, Sgt. Andrew Coulby and Police Officer First Class Brennan Kunz, have 12 and 15 years of experience respectively.

What’s next

The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General will review the body-worn camera footage and investigate the incident further.