Bel Air police officer back in hospital after fight that led to Franklin Street shooting

A Bel Air police officer has returned to the hospital after an initial release and is still recovering, officials said during a town hall meeting Monday night. The officer was hurt during a traffic stop that ended with the officer shooting a 40-year-old man who later died.

Elected Officials Respond: In a statement, Bel Air Commissioners described the confrontation as a savage attack on the officer and offered prayers for the officer’s recovery. The Board of Commissioners said it cannot comment further on the investigation.

The officer’s condition: The officer received hospital treatment for physical injuries from the attack and was released from the hospital only to return later for related injuries.

What happened: A Bel Air police officer stopped the man about 8:55 p.m. Saturday on Franklin Street, according to the Bel Air Police Department. Police said the stop led to a physical fight and the officer shot the man.

Paramedics reported that the man had a gunshot wound in his back. A medical helicopter went to Bel Air High School, and the man was flown to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, where he died.

The investigation: The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is leading the investigation. Maryland law requires the division to investigate shootings by police that result in death.