Police Fatally Shoot Man Threatening Self-Harm in Columbia

Maryland Attorney General's Office investigating incident at Patuxent Commons Apartments

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 Columbia, Maryland. Police allege a man at the Patuxent Commons Apartments threatened to harm himself, and officers shot him after he refused to drop a knife.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises, as well as the need for improved crisis intervention training and partnerships with mental health professionals to de-escalate such situations without the use of lethal force.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a 911 call from a man threatening self-harm at the Patuxent Commons Apartments. They found the man outside with a knife in his hand and repeatedly told him to drop it, but he continued walking toward them. Three officers then fired their weapons, fatally shooting the man. No officers were injured. The Attorney General's Office is investigating the incident, and the body-worn camera footage is expected to be released within 20 days.

  • 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 law enforcement agency involved in the incident.

Patuxent Commons Apartments

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

Mission First Housing Group

The group that manages the Patuxent Commons Apartments.

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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.com)

“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.com)

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

— Mimi Johnson, Howard County resident (wbal.com)

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 tragic incident highlights the need for improved crisis intervention training and partnerships between law enforcement and mental health professionals to better respond to situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises and de-escalate them without the use of lethal force.