BEL AIR, Md. — The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division has opened a probe into a fatal shooting that took place during a traffic stop late Saturday in Bel Air, Harford County officials said.
According to the preliminary information released by investigators, the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. in the 300 block of Franklin Street. A Bel Air Police Department officer fired his service weapon during a traffic stop and struck the driver. Officers on scene rendered emergency aid until Harford County emergency medical services arrived.
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital and was later pronounced dead, while the officer also sustained injuries and received treatment at the hospital, officials said. The Independent Investigations Division is leading the review, as is customary for in-custody and police-involved deaths in Maryland.
What investigators have said
Investigators have asked anyone with information to come forward. That includes people who captured the incident by cell phone or who have private surveillance footage that may be relevant. The division provided contact details for tips and evidence:
- Phone: 410-576-7070
- Email: IID@oag.maryland.gov
The agency said it will generally release the decedent’s name and the names of involved officers within two business days, although that window can be extended under the division’s protocols. Investigators also noted that officers were wearing body-worn cameras and that such footage is typically released within 20 business days, subject to delays for witness interviews, technical issues such as shielding civilian identities, or to allow family members to view video before public release.
Context and procedure
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) is responsible for conducting criminal investigations into officer-involved deaths and other critical incidents across Maryland. The IID’s involvement signals that the state is treating the shooting as a matter requiring independent review rather than a local administrative probe.
Under IID practice, timelines for public disclosure vary based on the needs of the investigation and legal requirements. Release of names and video is often weighed against ongoing evidence collection and the privacy rights of those involved.
Local reaction and public information
Bel Air is a small but bustling town, and officer-involved shootings can have wide community impact. Residents frequently seek clear timelines and transparency after such incidents. Investigators’ request for video and tips is intended to gather any witness perspectives and recordings that could fill gaps in the official record.
Officials have not released the identities of the deceased or the injured officer, and no additional details about the circumstances that led to the shooting have been released publicly. The IID’s preliminary statements indicate only the time, location and that a weapon was fired by a Bel Air officer during the stop.
How the public can help
Investigators have specifically requested:
- Cell phone video taken at the time of or just before and after the incident.
- Private surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses that covers Franklin Street in the 300 block.
- Any other information that could assist investigators in understanding what occurred.
| Detail | Information released |
|---|---|
| Location | 300 block of Franklin Street, Bel Air |
| Time | About 9 p.m., Saturday |
| Injuries | Driver fatally wounded; officer treated for injuries |
| IID contact | 410-576-7070; IID@oag.maryland.gov |
| Body-worn camera policy | Typically released within 20 business days, possible delays |
As the investigation proceeds, the IID will determine whether criminal charges should be filed, and the Maryland Attorney General’s office will release further findings as allowed by its protocols. For now, authorities are asking for patience from the public while they complete their review.
Anyone with relevant footage or information is urged to contact the Independent Investigations Division at the phone number or email provided. Updates from the IID are typically posted to the Attorney General’s office channels as they become available.
This article will be updated as officials release more information.
