Police ID Officer Who Shot, Wounded Man Brandishing Comb
ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ) -- A comb-wielding man who allegedly threatened to kill employees at an Aberdeen apartment complex before he was taken down by police gunfire will now face criminal charges.
"There is an active arrest warrant for Mr. Winkler. That arrest warrant will be executed upon his release from the hospital," Aberdeen Police spokesman Lt. William Reiber said.
Reiber said the 23-year-old who's accused of charging at police on July 27 with a comb sharpened into a shiv will face assault charges.
Winkler allegedly squared off with officers in the parking lot of the Affinity Old Post Road apartments on Hamilton Place.
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Officers tried to talk him down then tased him. But when Winkler ran forward -- plastic weapon in hand -- a veteran police corporal opened fire.
Police said Cpl. James Evans believed at the time that the comb was actually a knife.
Neighbor Patricia Foley came home to find a crime scene in the parking lot where she says kids play.
"My 8-year-old son heard the gunshot," she said.
She and other neighbors told WJZ that Winkler has a history of mental illness.
"His body was laying on the side over there and they were waiting for an ambulance to come get him," Foley said.
Winkler is still hospitalized Monday with a warrant waiting.
Evans is on administrative leave while the department investigates the shooting, which is routine in all police-involved shootings.
Winkler faces charges for first- and second-degree assault, dangerous weapon with intent to hinder and obstruction.
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