Updated Press Release as of Feb. 26 1:53 p.m.

Charles County Sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation into the first-degree assault that occurred on Feb. 24 on Azalea Place in which a man assaulted and choked his girlfriend and then pointed a loaded shotgun at officers who responded to help.

The officer involved in the shooting is Officer S. Hooper, a 22-year-veteran of law enforcement and a two-year-veteran of the CCSO.  The officers who rendered aid to the wounded suspect include a 17-year-veteran and a 15-year-veteran of the agency.

According to medical personnel, the aid the officers provided likely saved the suspect’s life.

Updated Press Release as of Feb. 25 3:58 p.m.

On February 24 at 11:20 p.m., officers responded to the 3400 block of Azalea Place in Waldorf for the report of a domestic-related assault in progress.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim who fled the house and was waiting nearby for police. The victim reported the suspect, her boyfriend, had just assaulted her, choked her and threatened to shoot her.

The victim indicated the suspect had several guns in the house and may be armed. Officers approached the residence and observed the suspect standing at the front door, which was open, holding a shotgun pointed in their direction.

Officers immediately took cover and gave numerous commands for the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect ignored the requests and suddenly walked outside with the gun still pointed in their direction.

One of the officers, who was in the direct line of fire and feared for his life, discharged his firearm striking the suspect. The suspect fell but continued reaching for the shotgun.

A police K9 was released and distracted the suspect while officers moved in to secure him and the weapon.

Officers took immediate action to render medical aid to the suspect who had a serious injury to his leg. The suspect, 39, was flown to a hospital where was admitted in stable condition.

The woman, 41, had injuries consistent with being choked and was treated on the scene by EMS.

The suspect will be charged with multiple counts of first-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

The officer involved is a 22-year-veteran of law enforcement and has been with the CCSO for two years. He has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Agency policy. The investigation is continuing.

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

Waldorf, MD – On Feb. 24 at 11:21 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s officers responded to the 3400 block of Azalea Place in Waldorf after a woman called 911 and reported a domestic situation in which a male in her residence was armed with a gun and threatening her.

Officers arrived on the scene and ordered the man out of the house. When the man walked out to the front porch, he was armed with a handgun.

At some point one of the officers, fearing for his life, discharged his firearm at the armed man. The suspect was hit and was transported to a nearby hospital where he was admitted and is being treated. A gun was recovered on the scene.

At this time detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal  Investigations Division are conducting an investigation. Sheriff Troy Berry responded to the scene.

More details to come.