Baltimore, Maryland – A person armed with a knife was shot by a Baltimore Police officer on Monday morning during a response to a reported mental health crisis in the Bolton Hill area. Police officials say officers attempted multiple de-escalation measures before gunfire was used, and no bystanders or officers were injured.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. in the 1100 block of Park Avenue, near the Bolton Hill neighborhood. According to the Baltimore Police Department, officers were responding to a call involving a person experiencing a mental health emergency who was reportedly armed with a knife and posing a threat to others inside a residential building.
Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual holding a knife and attempting to harm people in the building, authorities said.
Timeline of Events
Police Commissioner Richard Worley outlined the sequence of events during a briefing later that day.
Officers initially located the armed individual in a hallway of the building. The person then retreated into an apartment unit. One officer remained in the hallway while waiting for backup to arrive, maintaining distance and monitoring the situation.
After some time, the individual exited the apartment and reentered the hallway, still armed with the knife.
Police De-Escalation Efforts
According to police, officers made repeated attempts to calm the situation. Commands were given for the individual to drop the weapon, and officers tried verbal de-escalation techniques designed for crisis response situations.
When the individual failed to comply, officers deployed tasers in an attempt to subdue the person without using lethal force. Officials said the tasers had no effect, and the individual continued to pose an immediate threat.
Use of Deadly Force
With the individual still armed and advancing, an officer fired their service weapon. The suspect was struck two times in the leg, Commissioner Worley said.
After being shot, the individual dropped the knife and was taken into custody without further resistance. Officers immediately provided medical aid at the scene before the person was transported to a nearby hospital.
Police confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening.
Medical Response and Custody
During ambulance transport, officials said the suspect became combative, forcing the ambulance crew to temporarily pull over before continuing to the hospital.
No officers, medical personnel, or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Commissioner’s Statement
Commissioner Worley emphasized changes in training and department culture when addressing the shooting.
“We are a different department now,” Worley said Monday.
“In the past, it would have turned out a lot different. Our officers showed the great training that we have to de-escalate a situation. Even after the individual came at them with a knife, they still tried to de-escalate.”
Mental Health Calls and Police Safety
Incidents involving mental health crises remain among the most complex and dangerous situations officers face. Police departments nationwide have increased training in crisis intervention, emphasizing communication, distance, and non-lethal options whenever possible.
However, law enforcement officials note that when an individual is armed and actively threatening others, officers must balance de-escalation efforts with immediate public safety concerns.
Conclusion
The investigation into Monday’s shooting remains ongoing, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Baltimore police officials reiterated that the primary goal of the response was to prevent harm and resolve the situation safely.
As communities continue to discuss mental health responses and policing strategies, incidents like this highlight the challenges officers face during crisis calls.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
