NOTTINGHAM, MD—Police in Baltimore County on Tuesday released additional information on the officer-involved shooting of Jamaal Ramone Taylor, a suspect from northeast Baltimore (21206) who stabbed several people and injured another at the Hunt Valley Towne Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities say that Taylor was initially on Centre property earlier in the day and then left the area. He then returned about an hour later and began to assault several victims at the Hunt Valley Wine Liquor and Beer store, Noodles and Company, and Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
Afterward, Taylor fled toward the light rail station on Shawan Road where arriving officers first encountered him. Police saw that Taylor was holding a knife and attempted to de-escalate the situation, while directing traffic away from the immediate area. Taylor continued to walk in the direction of occupied vehicles, approaching McCormick Road. Two Baltimore County Police officers were forced to discharge their weapons as the suspect continued to walk toward the occupied vehicles.
Police at the scene called for Baltimore County Fire Department personnel while administering aid to the suspect. Taylor was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The officers involved have been identified as Officer Wise, a 4-year veteran assigned to the Cockeysville Precinct, and Officer Brocato, a 13-year veteran assigned to the Community Resources and Wellness Section. Both officers have been placed on routine administrative leave. Officer Wise has no prior police-involved shootings. Officer Brocato has one prior police-involved shooting.
Authorities continue to search for witnesses. Anyone witnessed any portion of the events is asked to contact detectives at 410-307-2020.
Police Chief Melissa Hyatt has also released the following statement:
On Saturday afternoon, on a mild Fall day at the busy Hunt Valley Towne Centre, a man, armed with a knife, began randomly attacking shoppers. Fortunately, there was a quick response from members of the Baltimore County Police Department who were able to quickly stop the threat. Further, members of the Baltimore County Fire Department rapidly rendered aid to victims. I hope for a speedy recovery for the victims of this brazen attack.
Our officers used the force that they believed necessary, under the circumstances, to protect the citizens of Baltimore County. Any loss of life is unfortunate and tragic, and we recognize the trauma associated with this situation.
While we continue to review the circumstances that led to this situation, I want to again express my gratitude to the men and women of this Department who acted swiftly and courageously to bring a quick resolution to this unpredictable incident. We are appreciative of our local, state, and federal partners for their outreach and assistance during and following this incident.
The 911 calls from this event were also released on Tuesday. Those can be heard below…
