Baltimore, January 21, 2026
A police encounter in Southeast Baltimore ended tragically when a suspect was shot dead by officers after firing at them. The incident took place on Eastern Avenue following reports of a gun threat. Officers responded promptly, apprehending the suspect who had attempted to flee but ended up engaging the police with a weapon. The case is now under investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division.
Suspect Fatally Shot After Firing at Officers in Southeast Baltimore
Baltimore, MD – A suspect was fatally shot by police in the 6500 block of Eastern Avenue in Southeast Baltimore on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026. The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a person being threatened with a gun in the 6800 block of Bank Street. Upon canvassing the area, police located a male suspect on a bicycle along Eastern Avenue. The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended and tackled by officers. During the encounter, the suspect accessed a weapon and fired at the officers. In response, two officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that the Independent Investigations Division of his office is at the scene of the shooting.
Details of the Incident
According to Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, the officers received a call at approximately 9:15 p.m. about a person being threatened with a gun in the 6800 block of Bank Street. After canvassing the area, they found the male suspect on a bicycle along Eastern Avenue. The suspect attempted to flee but was tackled by officers. At some point during the struggle, the suspect accessed a weapon and fired at the officers. In response, two officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
Investigation and Response
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that the Independent Investigations Division of his office is at the scene of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Background Context
Officer-involved shootings in Baltimore have been a subject of public concern and scrutiny. In June 2025, Bilal “BJ” Abdullah, a well-known Baltimore arabber, was fatally shot by police officers in the Upton neighborhood. The incident sparked community outrage and led to calls for increased transparency and accountability within the police department.
Additionally, in November 2017, Detective Sean Suiter was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head, a day before he was scheduled to testify before a federal grand jury regarding the Gun Trace Task Force scandal. His death remains unsolved, contributing to ongoing discussions about police conduct and accountability in Baltimore.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges and the need for continued efforts to build trust and ensure accountability between law enforcement and the Baltimore community.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 6500 block of Eastern Avenue, Southeast Baltimore |
| Date and Time | Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, around 9:15 p.m. |
| Initial Report | Person being threatened with a gun in the 6800 block of Bank Street |
| Suspect’s Actions | Attempted to flee, tackled by officers, accessed a weapon, fired at officers |
| Officers’ Response | Two officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect |
| Investigation | Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s office at the scene |
FAQ
What happened in the incident on Eastern Avenue?
A suspect was fatally shot by police in the 6500 block of Eastern Avenue in Southeast Baltimore on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026. The incident occurred when officers responded to a report of a person being threatened with a gun in the 6800 block of Bank Street. Upon locating the suspect, he attempted to flee but was apprehended and tackled by officers. During the encounter, the suspect accessed a weapon and fired at the officers. In response, two officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s office is at the scene of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Have there been similar incidents in Baltimore?
Yes, there have been previous officer-involved shootings in Baltimore. Notably, in June 2025, Bilal “BJ” Abdullah, a well-known Baltimore arabber, was fatally shot by police officers in the Upton neighborhood. The incident sparked community outrage and led to calls for increased transparency and accountability within the police department.
What is being done to address these incidents?
Authorities are conducting thorough investigations into each incident to ensure accountability. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions and efforts aimed at building trust and improving relations between law enforcement and the Baltimore community.
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