Montgomery County Police Officer Thomas J. Bomba Shot At Silver Spring Parking Garage Has Died, Officials Say
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WJZ) — A Montgomery County police officer has died after being shot at a Silver Spring parking garage.
38-year-old Officer Thomas J. Bomba, a 13-year veteran of the department, was shot and taken to Shock Trauma where he later died.
Officers were investigating a report of a shooting in the area of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street after the injured officer called out on their radio about a disorderly subject in the parking garage at around 8:49 a.m.
A responding officer found Bomba with a gunshot wound.
Acting Chief Marcus Jones said they are reviewing body camera footage, and said there is no video footage that shows a suspect.
"We are looking at all options regarding the investigation," He said.
Montgomery County Police say that Officer Thomas Bomba has died after he was shot at, at a parking garage in Silver Spring this morning. They are still searching for a suspect or suspects @wjz pic.twitter.com/UezDmsmjGb
— Stetson Miller (@stetsonmreports) October 14, 2019
The chief said that Bomba was "very dedicated" to the department.
He said the only gun recovered was the officer's, and they have no suspect information at this time.
Police are asking anyone with information on what may have happened to please contact them immediately.
They added they are treating this incident as a homicide at this time, but there is no additional threat to the public.
Officials from across Maryland have been sharing their condolences; Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich called it "a very sad day for Montgomery County."
"[Bomba] was a 13-year veteran of the department, who was a friend to the officers he served with and a stalwart protector of the community he policed," Elrich said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the Montgomery County Police Department. Our County lost one of our own and I ask the people of Montgomery County to keep Officer Bomba's family, his friends and fellow officers in your hearts during this very difficult time."
Baltimore City FOP tweeted out their condolences when the news broke, as did the Maryland State Police.
The @mdsp stands with the Montgomery County Police Department as they mourn death of Officer Thomas J. Bomba. RIP Officer Bomba pic.twitter.com/Jskm1pw8RR
— MD State Police (@MDSP) October 14, 2019
Governor Larry Hogan tweeted out his condolences, saying he was "heartbroken" by the officer's death.
Heartbroken by the death of Officer Thomas J. Bomba today in the line of duty. Our prayers are with his family, the Montgomery Co. Police, Fire and Rescue community, & with all those who serve & protect our communities. We will continue to monitor the ongoing investigation. pic.twitter.com/CMyT8ZROnP
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 14, 2019
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a statement out in response to Bomba's death:
"I send my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Officer TJ Bomba. We all owe a debt to him and the Maryland police officers who put their lives at risk every day to keep our communities safe. I am closely monitoring the situation in Silver Spring." Van Hollen said.