Crofton Man Charged Following Officer-Involved Shooting

CROFTON, Md. (AP) -- Anne Arundel County police have charged a man whom an officer shot after the man allegedly pointed an air rifle at him.

Police said Wednesday that 21-year-old Dallas Michael Ruff of Crofton remains hospitalized after he was shot in the abdomen on Saturday. He was charged with assault.

Police were called to Ruff's home after a relative reported that Ruff had sent text messages threatening to hurt himself and others.

Authorities say when two officers forced their way into Ruff's home, they saw him at the top of the steps aiming a rifle at them.

The department says Lt. Harry Peterson, a 26-year veteran of the force, shot Ruff once. Police say the rifle was later found to be a realistic-looking air rifle.

Peterson is on routine paid administrative leave.