AG's Office Investigating Fatal Police Shooting in Howard County

Police allege a man in Columbia threatened to harm himself before officers shot him when he refused to drop a knife.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Maryland Attorney General's Office is investigating a fatal police shooting that occurred on Sunday morning in Howard County. Police claim a man in Columbia threatened to harm himself, and officers shot him after he refused to drop a knife. Officials have not released the man's name, but they brought in grief counselors to help residents in an apartment building for adults with disabilities, senior citizens, and families.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises, as well as the need for comprehensive crisis intervention training and partnerships with mental health professionals to de-escalate such situations and avoid the use of lethal force.

The details

Officers responded to a 911 call from a man who was threatening to harm himself. They found him outside in the parking lot of the Patuxent Commons Apartments on Freetown Road, holding a knife. Police say they told the man multiple times to drop the knife, but he continued walking towards them, prompting three officers to open fire, fatally shooting him. A knife was recovered near the man's body, but no officers were injured.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday morning.
  • The Attorney General's Office will typically release the name of the person killed and the officers involved in around two business days.
  • The body-worn camera video is generally released within 20 days after the incident.

The players

Maryland Attorney General's Office

The state agency investigating the fatal police shooting.

Howard County Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and was involved in the shooting.

Patuxent Commons Apartments

The apartment complex where the incident took place, which houses adults with disabilities, senior citizens, and families.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center

The mental health organization that partners with the Howard County Police Department to provide crisis intervention training and support.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's unfortunate. It's unfortunate. I was getting ready to come outside, and the police told me right now, I couldn't (go outside).”

— Keil McDonald, Columbia resident (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“It's just sad and tragic. His mind was so upset (that) he wanted to hurt himself. He was a threat to himself and to everyone else.”

— Elizabeth Juliano, Howard County resident (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“I wish it didn't end the way it did.”

— Mimi Johnson, Howard County resident (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The Attorney General's Office will typically release the name of the person killed and the officers involved in around two business days. The body-worn camera video is generally released within 20 days after the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises, as well as the need for comprehensive crisis intervention training and partnerships with mental health professionals to de-escalate such situations and avoid the use of lethal force.