Baltimore County police officer, suspect and bystander injured in Pikesville shootout

A Baltimore County police officer is expected to recover after being shot in Pikesville on Sunday morning, according to Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough.

Officers responded around 8:50 a.m. to the area of Milford Mill Road and Scotts Hill Drive for reports of a suspicious person. The person fired shots at approaching officers, who returned fire and struck the suspect.

Officer P. Catalfamo was taken to Shock Trauma, where he is in critical but stable condition, as of Monday. 

The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he is in stable condition. A bystander was also shot and is recovering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, police said.

The suspect will be identified once charges are filed, according to police. 

According to police, Officer Catalfamo was not one of the two officers who fired their weapons during the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Baltimore County Police officer recovering

"This case highlights how dangerous policing is in America these days," McCullough said. "It's unpredictable, and it highlights the dangers that our men and women in law enforcement face every day."

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said Officer Catalfamo was awake and talking.

"Someone said he's even been having a couple of jokes here and there," Klausmeier added. "I wish him well."

"This incident is another jarring reminder of the risks our officers take every day and the extraordinary work performed by the first responders and healthcare professionals who answer the call in moments of crisis," Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones added. "Please join me in keeping this officer and his family in your prayers as he continues his recovery."  

Neighbors react to shots fired

Neighbors in Pikesville say they are surprised something this violent happened there. 

Kendrick Quickley said he heard between seven and 10 shots Sunday morning before going on a bike ride.

"I thought they were killing deer over there at first, but then it was too many shots," Quickley said. "It sounded like shotgun. That's how close it was. It sounded like it was right there."

John Summers, who also lives nearby, said he goes for runs or walks in this park multiple times a week. He said he's seen suspicious activity here before.

"I have seen people exposing themselves down here by the stream. It's been about two years since I last saw it, but I have seen that before as well," Summers said.

Some neighbors say they're staying away from this park, while others say people need to be more aware.   

"I mean, I generally keep something on me just in case for protection, but hopefully that's a one-off incident," Summers said.

"This is 100% senseless"

Police responded to the area of a park for a possible indecent exposure call. 

McCullough said that when officers approached the subject, shots were fired toward the officers, striking one of the officers. It is unclear how many officers returned fire and struck the person.

"We do know that we had an armed subject who is in a public area, a public park, who is suspicious," McCullough said. "Police officers approached him, and he chose to make a poor decision and started shooting at our officers."

Police said a bystander was also shot, but it is not known if the gunfire was by officers or the armed suspect.

"This was an awful, awful thing that happened today," Klausmeier said. "It is very unacceptable and I hope we don't have things like this anymore."

Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka said this police shooting hits close to home.

"I represent the area, but I also live about a half mile down Milford Mill Road, from where this incident occurred," Patoka said. "This is an attack on one of our law enforcement officers. It is absolutely unacceptable, and the community will rally behind our police officers. This is 100% senseless, and I am proud of the response of our officers and community."

Maryland lawmakers react to police shooting 

State and federal leaders shared their condolences on the shooting of the Baltimore County police officer.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore stated that he and his wife, Dawn Moore, "condemn violence against any and all law enforcement officers in the strongest possible terms."

Moore added that, "Dawn and I are praying for the Baltimore County police officer shot earlier today in Pikesville while responding to a report of suspicious activity. My team is closely monitoring the situation for updates and hope for the officer's swift and complete recovery."

U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski, the former Baltimore County executive,  offered prayers for the officer, his family, and his fellow officers.

"This incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers willingly face each day to protect our communities and keep our own families safe," Olszewski added.