Attempted Ambush of Police in Baltimore?
Attempted Ambush of Police in Baltimore?
The sound of gunfire on Thursday night lured four plainclothes Baltimore police officers to a parking lot of an apartment complex, where a gunman immediately opened fire on them as soon as they arrived.
#BREAKING Reported police involved shooting, N Bentalou St & Winchester St. Suspect reported down.
— BmoreBreakingNews (@BaltimoreBNN) July 15, 2016
Attempted ambush?
The incident occurred at around 9:30 on Thursday night. The officers were wearing tactical vests and driving an unmarked car when they heard gunshots.
“Were they specifically drawn there by him because he might have known they were in the area? We don’t know the answer to that yet, but that’s something that we’re trying to figure out.” Baltimore Police spokesperson T.J. Smith
After an exchange of gunfire, the suspect was hit, then retreated. He was later found on the second level of the apartment complex. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
No one else was injured.
Screenshot of ambulance leaving for the hospital
Screenshot of scene
CBS Baltimore reported,
Two officers involved in the shootout have been placed on administrative leave, which is routine for all officer-involved shootings, Smith told reporters.
It’s not yet clear exactly who or what the gunman was shooting at prior to the officers’ arrival, according to police. A group of children at a nearby basketball court told WJZ’s Rick Ritter they heard several “heavy” gunshots, and then ran home.
Spoke with one group of kids who were at a nearby basketball court, heard several “heavy” gunshots and then ran home @cbsbaltimore
— Rick Ritter (@RickRitterWJZ) July 15, 2016
Investigators, initially under the impression that there might be multiple suspects, called in the SWAT team and assistance from Baltimore County Police, but later ruled out the possibility of a second gunman, Smith said.
The investigation is continuing.
On scene of police involved shooting in West Baltimore. Here are a few images from our camera: @cbsbaltimore pic.twitter.com/As9F5EJ6nO
— Rick Ritter (@RickRitterWJZ) July 15, 2016
We’re still being kept ways back from the scene, here’s the best image I can give you from our camera: @cbsbaltimore pic.twitter.com/kUU5JOl2YP
— Rick Ritter (@RickRitterWJZ) July 15, 2016
Police say this is “AR-15 style” weapon that the suspect was firing at officers: @cbsbaltimore pic.twitter.com/tDiekZHZUe
— Rick Ritter (@RickRitterWJZ) July 15, 2016
