Police ended up shooting and killing intoxicated man who was threatening to harm himself and others

On the evening of November 26, police in Baltimore County were called to Pheasant Wood Court in Parkton, Maryland, where an individual, who had reportedly been drinking, threatening to assault a family member and himself.  The 9-1-1 caller said that the man making those threats had left the house in a vehicle. Unfortunately, in this incident, after police conducted a car stop, circumstances occurred where the man, identified as Eric John Sopp, 48, who lived on Pheasant Wood Court, was fatally shot. 

Police said that they realize that the loss of life is grievous and they extended their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Sopp. 

Shortly before 9 p.m. a 9-1-1 call was received from a family member of the Mr. Sopp indicating that he was intoxicated, threatened to hurt her and was holding a weapon, indicating he would hurt himself, as well.  He left the residence in a car prior to officers arriving.  Police officers were dispatched to the residence and a description of the car, the individual, and the possibility of him still being armed was communicated to other officers. 

Sopp’s car was spotted on Mt. Carmel Road entering the ramp to southbound Interstate 83 where the car stop was initiated and the incident took place.  Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the sequence of events, circumstances and evidence surrounding of that fatal shooting. 

“We had two officers traveling behind him. They made a traffic stop. Once they felt they were in a safe place, (they) then made verbal contact with the person. During that exchange, the officers felt threatened. One officer did fire his service weapon,” Baltimore County police Officer Jennifer Peach said

Both officers provided First Aid and called for a paramedic, but it was too late. Sopp died at the scene.

“We are continuing to review all the body-worn camera images and comparing that to statements made by the officers and other witnesses,” Peach said. ~ WBAL-TV

The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Officer Page, a 21-year veteran of the department assigned to the Cockeysville Precinct, with no prior police-involved shooting incidents. He has been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal review of the incident.

The Baltimore County Police Department would like to remind our community members of the resources available to assist those who may need help or are in crisis: Baltimore County Crisis Services 410-931-2214, https://tinyurl.com/t7ubwjm , National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

If you, or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of the above organizations.

(Source: Baltimore County Police)

~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter