A seven-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department has been identified as the officer who shot and critically injured a man near the Erdman Shopping Center on Oct. 22, according to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
Authorities identified the officer as Phil Polanco. Investigators said the shooting occurred after the man allegedly pointed a gun at the officer during an encounter near the intersection of Erdman Avenue and Ravenwood Avenue in Baltimore.
The shooting was reported around 12:15 p.m. near the shopping center, close to a library and a daycare center. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Officials have not released his identity.
What Happened Near Erdman Shopping Center?
According to police, the officer was stopped at a stop sign when he encountered a man walking into the shopping center’s parking lot.
Authorities said the man ran from the officer, who followed him in a patrol car before getting out of the vehicle. During the subsequent encounter, the man allegedly pointed a gun at Polanco, prompting the officer to fire his weapon.
The gunfire struck the man, who was transported to a hospital with critical injuries, according to the information released by authorities.
Officials have not publicly identified the injured man. Further details about the circumstances leading up to the encounter have not been provided in the information released so far.
Maryland Attorney General’s Office Investigating
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating the shooting.
The division investigates certain incidents involving law enforcement officers, including officer-involved shootings. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to establish the circumstances surrounding the encounter and the use of force.
Polanco was wearing a body-worn camera during the incident, according to officials. Investigators may review available footage as part of their inquiry.
The identification of the officer and the account of the encounter released by authorities do not, by themselves, establish the full circumstances of the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.
Officials Ask Witnesses to Share Information
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant evidence to contact the Independent Investigations Division.
Authorities are particularly seeking cellphone recordings, private surveillance footage and other information that could help clarify what happened near Erdman Avenue and Ravenwood Avenue.
Anyone with information can contact the IID at 410-576-7070 or email [email protected].
The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may be released as authorities continue reviewing the incident.
This report is based on information attributed to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and police. The allegations described by authorities have not been independently established in this report.
