News Releases

MCP Investigating Gaithersburg Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 8, 2021

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police - Major Crimes Division are investigating a Gaithersburg Police Department officer-involved shooting that occurred this evening in the City of Gaithersburg.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the Gaithersburg Police Department (GPD) had received information that a male subject was armed with a handgun.  The GPD-Street Crimes Unit began an investigation.

Tonight, (January 8), four GPD - Street Crimes Unit officers approached the male subject as he was walking in the area of 14 South Frederick Avenue.  They identified themselves as police officers (the officers were in plain clothes).  The male fled and the officers pursued him on foot.  At approximately 5:53 pm, in the area of 12 South Frederick Avenue, a shooting occurred, and the male subject was shot. A handgun was recovered from the scene.

No officers were injured.

Officers attempted life-saving measures and radioed for the assistance of Fire and Rescue personnel.  The man was declared deceased at the scene.

It is anticipated that the identity of the man will be released tomorrow.**

The identity of the officers involved in the shooting will be released by the Gaithersburg Police Department.  It is anticipated that the Department will release this information tomorrow evening.

Following an established procedure, once Major Crimes detectives complete their investigation of the officer-involved shooting, the findings will be submitted to the Howard County’s State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

This is an ongoing investigation.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Montgomery County Police - Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.  Callers may remain anonymous.

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**(1/9/2021): The decedent is identified as Kwamena Ocran, age 24, of an unconfirmed address.

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Release ID: 21-012
Media Contact: Sergeant Rebecca Innocenti 
Categories: officer-involved