[March 2, 2016, Bel Air, MD] Deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division were involved in the fatal shooting of a 35 year old male in the 300 block of Althea Court in Bel Air.

Patrol Deputies assigned to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Southern Precinct were dispatched for the report of a suicidal subject at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2nd. Upon arrival, deputies attempted to initiate contact with the male subject by personal contact and phone. After 30 minutes of deputies attempting to engage the subject in conversation, he exited the rear of the residence and fired a gun, causing deputies to seek cover. The suspect then retreated back inside the residence. No one was injured at that time.

After the suspect’s gunfire, Patrol Deputies established a perimeter and moved to safeguard nearby residents. Deputies assigned to the Special Response Team of the Special Operations Division were requested to the scene and assumed command of the incident. Members of the Special Response Team, with assistance from the Crisis Negotiation Team, attempted to engage in negotiations with the suspect to bring the incident to a peaceful end.

After extensive attempts at negotiation, and repeated attempts to convince the suspect to peacefully surrender, he exited the residence in the direction of deputies. His actions caused Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies to be in fear for their personal safety and that of the surrounding community leading deputies to fire upon the suspect, mortally wounding him. No deputies or civilians were injured during the incident.

Following the shooting, members of the Office of the State Fire Marshall conducted a thorough search of the residence to ensure no improvised incendiary or explosive devices were within the residence or surrounding area.

Investigators and Forensic Service Unit Detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident. During the initial investigation, several firearms were seized from the residence. Upon completion, the investigation will be forwarded to the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office for routine review.

The deputies involved have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.