A police officer and suspect have been shot in what authorities described as an “active shooter incident” near a synagogue in Baltimore.
The shooting unfolded in the 6200 block of Park Heights Avenue in Northwest Baltimore near the Agudath Israel of Baltimore synagogue around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The wounded officer was taken to Shock Trauma, but was in “good spirits,” according to the Baltimore Police union.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said the officer was shot “while responding to a barricade situation at a residence in Northwest Baltimore.”
“I just arrived at Shock Trauma where the injured officer was transported,” Scott said. “The brave men and women of BPD put their lives on the line every day to build a better, safer Baltimore. As the situation develops, our hearts are with this officer, their family, and the entire department.”
Police said the suspect involved was also shot. Their identity and condition were not immediately known.
As the incident unfolded, police radio indicated a “Signal 13,” meaning an officer was in distress. Officers had reportedly been responding to a possible hostage situation before the shooting, the Baltimore Sun reported.
Aerial footage from WBAL-TV 11 showed a large police presence in the northwest portion of the city, including armored cars and dozens of officers patrolling the streets near the scene.
Photos posted to Citizen, the community safety app, also showed a heavy police presence in the area.
Several streets have been closed off, and police were urging people to stay away from the area.
Police said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
This is a breaking news story…
