News Releases

Update: Officer Body-Worn Camera Footage of June 11 Officer-Involved Shooting Released

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The Montgomery County Police Department continues to investigate the Monday, June 11, officer-involved shooting that occurred in Silver Spring.

Today, the Department is releasing body-worn camera video of the shooting.  The video is from two officers' cameras: Officer Badgujar, the officer who fired his gun, and the back-up officer.  These are the only two police body-worn camera videos of the shooting.

On Friday, July 27, the Office of the State's Attorney for Howard County notified the Montgomery County Police Department that they had concluded their investigation of our Department’s officer-involved shooting that occurred on June 11.  Based on a review of evidence and a review of the law, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County determined that Montgomery County Police Officer Badgujar’s actions were justified under the circumstances (please see the letter from the Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County in the previous press release).  The administrative investigation by Montgomery County Police Internal Affairs detectives is continuing.  The purpose of the internal investigation is to determine if Officer Badgujar acted within department rules and policy.

The Department has received inquiries regarding the circumstances of Officer Badgujar and Mr. Robert White's interaction.  During the criminal investigation, Officer Badgujar's attorney provided responses to questions from Howard County State's Attorney representatives.  Some of the these questions asked by the Howard County representatives and responses provided by Officer Badgujar's attorney were:

Question: "What drew Officer Badgujar's attention to Robert White?"

Attorney's Response:

"As he [Officer Badgujar] drove in his car past Three Oaks Drive he observed Robert White walking north on the right side of Three Oaks Drive.  His attention was drawn to Robert White as he observed that Robert White had a large rip in the fabric on the upper back of his outer garment, and because he abruptly moved his right hand to the right side of his body.  As Officer Badgujar passed Three Oaks Drive, Robert White continued to stare at the marked police vehicle as it traveled on Sligo Creek Parkway."

In addition, Officer Badgujar's attorney provided the following information:

"Officer Badgujar observed that Robert White was appearing as if he was going to continue straight on foot passed the dead-end on Three Oaks Drive.  As Robert White observed Officer Badgujar's police presence he abruptly turned right while in the middle of the intersection towards a foot path which appeared to go to a different neighborhood.  Robert White bladed his right side away from Officer Badgujar and thrust his right hand into his right jacket/hoodie pocket while raising his right shoulder.  Robert White quickened his pace and began to walk toward the footpath while looking over his shoulder at Officer Badgujar.  These actions in their totality (based on his training and experiences), made Officer Badgujar believe that Robert White was armed."

Question:  "As Robert White advanced on Officer Badgujar, why did Officer Badgujar fire his gun instead of using his ASP baton to repel the attack?"

Attorney's Response:

"As Robert White made contact he attempted to grab Officer Badgujar's firearm while yelling, 'DO IT!'  Officer Badgujar believed that Robert White was attempting to take the firearm so he [Robert White] could use it against him [Officer Badgujar].  Officer Badgujar believed that Robert White was actively attempting to take control of his firearm, not by mistake or accident; White was committed to his actions."

Question: "After the first shot and after [Officer Badgujar] fell to the ground, why did Officer Badgujar continue firing his gun?"

Attorney's Response:

"The first shot was not effective.  Officer Badgujar struck the ground and was still attempting to move backwards away from Robert White.  Robert White yelled, 'DO IT AGAIN!'  Robert White continued to press on and Officer Badgujar believed that he [Robert White] was still trying to come after his firearm to use it against him.  Officer Badgujar continued to fire his gun until the threat was stopped."

Note that the body-worn camera footage is graphic and viewer discretion is advised.

Link to Video: Update: Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County Concludes Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

Update to June 11 Officer-Involved Shooting

Update to June 11 Officer-Involved Shooting; Media Invited to Mental Health First Aid Training

Update: Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Continues

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigated in Silver Spring

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Release ID: 18-314
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: shooting