At approximately 8:20 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, the Frederick Police Department received multiple reports of gunfire in the Unit Block of South Market Street near the area of W. All Saints Street. The calls described two individuals in a confrontation that eventually escalated to the pair exchanging gunfire with each other.
Upon arriving at the scene, a Frederick Police Department officer observed these two individuals involved in the exchange and discharged his department-issued firearm at one of the suspects. One of the suspects discarded his firearm and raised his hands in the air. He was taken into custody without incident. No one involved in the incident was injured.
At this time, FPD believes this was an isolated incident between two known parties and not a random act of violence and not related to Friday evening’s Kris Kringle parade.
The other suspect involved in the confrontation is still at-large and Frederick Police officers are on-scene investigating to obtain information and evidence to help learn his identity. Anyone with information or video in the area of S. Market Street, W. All Saints Street and Ice Street is encouraged to share that with FPD by contacting the department’s non-emergency line at 301-600-2102.
“The Frederick Police Department is committed to ensuring the general public feels safe at all times,” said Chief of Police Jason Lando. “We realize tonight’s incident in our downtown corridor shortly after the Kris Kringle parade was concerning to residents. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result. Further, we can confirm that there is no current threat to the general public, and our officers and detectives are doing everything in their power to apprehend the other individual involved in this incident.”
FPD will continue to handle the criminal investigation, but due to the incident involving an FPD officer firing a department-issued weapon, Montgomery County Police Department will conduct the internal investigation into the officer’s use of force.
“Any time an officer discharges their firearm, we have an obligation to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation,” said Chief Lando. “We appreciate the Montgomery County Police Department for agreeing to conduct the internal investigation and will cooperate with them throughout the process. Additional details surrounding the incident will be released at the conclusion of their investigation."
At this time, neither the suspect who was apprehended nor the officer are being identified until further investigation is complete.
All media inquiries should be directed to Communications Manager Allen Etzler at aetzler@cityoffrederickmd.gov or 240-549-4380.
Date: 12/9/2022
Incident: Firearm discharged – Officer involved
Location: S. Market Street
Lead Investigator:
PIO Contact: Allen Etzler – aetzler@cityoffrederickmd.gov