Deceased suspect, officers involved in Baltimore County deadly-shooting identified

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the deceased suspect and the Baltimore County police officers involved in Wednesday’s deadly officer-involved shooting in Essex.

The deceased suspect is 31-year-old Howard Sye, of Essex.

Officials said the involved officers are Officer Malia Hooper, one year of service, Officer Trent LaPosta, one year of service, Officer First Class Nicholas Vagnier, two years of service, and Officer Hunter Cortes, two years of service. All officers are assigned to the Operations Bureau.

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Authorities said on Dec. 3 around 8:30 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Holgate Drive for a reported family disturbance. The person who called 911 said they had been stabbed.

Upon arrival, officers encountered an armed man inside an apartment building. Officers shot the man in response to his actions, according to police.

Authorities found a woman suffering from apparent stab wounds inside an apartment.

The man and woman were both transported to local hospitals with injuries, with the woman sustaining injuries to her upper torso.

Police said the man later died at the hospital.

One officer suffered an injury and was also taken to a local hospital for treatment. That injury is currently unknown.

Police said this “was an isolated incident and both individuals involved were known to one another.”

All officers were equipped with body worn cameras, according to officials.

The IID said it continues to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.

Anyone with information, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is urged to call the IID at 410-576-7070 or email IID@oag.maryland.gov.