Law Enforcement Officers Under Fire in Active Standoff on Gray Manor Terrace in Dundalk, MD: Suspect Armed with Rifle Engages Police in Armed Confrontation
DUNDALK, MD – April 1, 2025 – A tense and dangerous standoff is unfolding in the 2500 block of Gray Manor Terrace in Dundalk, Maryland, after a suspect, identified as an armed individual, began firing a high-powered rifle at law enforcement officers responding to a domestic disturbance call. The officers, some of whom have already sustained injuries, engaged in a firefight with the assailant, who remains holed up inside a residence.
At the time of the incident, police were attempting to make contact with the suspect when they were met with gunfire from the residence. The standoff, which began earlier today, has led to an active response from local law enforcement agencies, including SWAT teams, as well as the Baltimore County Police Department, who have established a perimeter around the scene.
The Victims: Law Enforcement Officers Under Fire
Initial reports have confirmed that at least three officers were struck by gunfire during the early stages of the exchange, though authorities have not yet provided specific details on their conditions. Law enforcement sources revealed that one of the officers was critically injured and had to be evacuated from the scene via ambulance, while another was treated for non-life-threatening wounds.
The identities of the injured officers have not yet been released, as authorities are working to notify their families. However, the police force has issued a statement expressing their concern for the well-being of their officers, as well as their commitment to neutralizing the threat posed by the armed suspect.
The Suspect: Armed and Barricaded
At the center of the situation is a suspect who remains barricaded inside a home on Gray Manor Terrace. Early reports indicate that the individual is armed with a rifle and is continuing to fire at law enforcement officers from inside the residence. It is unclear what motivated the suspect’s actions, but authorities are treating the situation as an active shooter incident, with the suspect showing no signs of surrender.
In the wake of the initial gunfire, officers returned fire and began a tactical operation to secure the area. SWAT units have been deployed, and authorities are urging the public to stay away from the area as the situation remains fluid. The police have also been actively negotiating with the suspect, but there have been no indications of a breakthrough in the talks.
The Scene: A Tense and Escalating Situation
Neighbors in the area have been advised to remain indoors and avoid the vicinity as police work to contain the situation. Several nearby homes have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, and the local school district has been informed of the ongoing emergency. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have warned that additional gunfire may occur as law enforcement continues its efforts to resolve the standoff.
As of now, no civilian casualties have been reported, though the community remains on edge as the situation develops. Police are expected to provide further updates as the situation evolves, including any additional injuries or arrests that may take place.
The Tactical Response: SWAT and Negotiations
In the aftermath of the initial gunfire exchange, law enforcement quickly established a secure perimeter around the suspect’s residence. Baltimore County Police have stated that their primary concern is the safety of both law enforcement officers and civilians in the area. SWAT teams have been deployed, with tactical teams stationed in strategic positions to monitor the suspect’s movements and prevent any further escalation of violence.
The police have also brought in specialized negotiators who are working to communicate with the suspect in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Negotiation tactics, including attempts to establish a dialogue and offer the suspect a peaceful resolution, have been ongoing for hours, but no official breakthroughs have been made. The suspect remains defiant, continuing to fire at officers and refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Community Impact: Ongoing Warnings for Local Residents
In response to the growing danger, local authorities have issued a series of warnings to residents and businesses in the immediate area. The Baltimore County Police Department has advised the public to avoid the Gray Manor Terrace neighborhood entirely while the situation is ongoing. Residents are being urged to shelter in place and remain inside their homes to avoid any potential crossfire or harm.
The police have set up a command post in a nearby area and are coordinating with various local, state, and federal agencies to resolve the standoff. At this time, it is unclear when the situation will come to an end, though authorities are stressing the importance of caution and preparedness as law enforcement works to bring the incident to a peaceful resolution.
The Larger Context: Previous Incidents in the Area
While this standoff is a highly dangerous and unpredictable situation, it is not the first time that Dundalk and the surrounding areas have been the site of significant law enforcement responses. The city of Dundalk has faced a range of law enforcement challenges over the years, with both criminal activity and violent incidents sometimes drawing heavy police presence.
Recent reports have also indicated that there has been an uptick in violent crime in some parts of the Baltimore County area, leading local law enforcement agencies to reassess their strategies and increase patrols in high-risk neighborhoods. The current standoff, however, marks one of the most serious confrontations between police and a suspect in recent months, with the added complexity of an armed and barricaded individual threatening the safety of both officers and civilians.
The Public’s Role: How You Can Stay Safe
Authorities are urging all members of the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as the situation continues to unfold. Here are a few key actions the public can take:
- Stay Away from the Area: Avoid the 2500 block of Gray Manor Terrace, as well as surrounding streets. Law enforcement has cordoned off a wide perimeter, and there may be dangerous crossfire in the area.
- Follow Official Instructions: Pay attention to any alerts or announcements from local authorities, including evacuation orders or safety advisories. Listen to emergency responders and cooperate with any directives given by law enforcement.
- Stay Inside: If you live in the vicinity, remain inside your home and avoid going outside unless it is absolutely necessary. Law enforcement officials are actively managing the situation, but the risk of further gunfire remains high.
- Do Not Engage: If you come across any individuals involved in the incident, do not approach them. Call 911 immediately to report any new developments or suspicious activity. Let law enforcement professionals handle the situation.
Moving Forward: The Resolution of the Standoff
As the hours pass and the standoff continues, the resolution of this tense and dangerous situation remains uncertain. The fate of the armed suspect remains unclear, as does the condition of the injured officers. The community, local government, and law enforcement agencies are all working to ensure that this crisis is resolved as safely as possible.
Authorities are expected to release further information as the situation progresses. They have expressed hope that the suspect may ultimately surrender peacefully and that the ongoing negotiations will lead to a resolution without further violence. However, until that time comes, the situation remains dynamic, and police efforts will continue to be focused on securing the safety of all involved.
This is a developing story, and Channel 2 NOW will continue to provide updates as new details emerge about this dangerous standoff in Dundalk.
