Officer's Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Man Sparks Anger

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery County Councilmember and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Marc Elrich said he is "especially concerned about an officer-involved shooting of an unarmed individual" after a man was killed by a police officer in Silver Spring Monday afternoon.

Robert Lawrence White, 41, of Silver Spring was fatally shot by Officer Anand Badgujar, who has been with the Montgomery County Police Department for about two years.

"The officer encountered an African American man in that area and attempted to speak with him, but the man became combative and a physical altercation occurred," a police statement about the shooting said.

The incident occurred at about 2:15 p.m. in the 9200 block of Three Oaks Dr.

SEE ALSO: Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man In Silver Spring

"This has to warrant the highest level of attention and thoroughness in the investigation and I expect the camera footage to be released as soon as practical, given the investigation," Elrich said in a statement. "The family has every right to expect access to every bit of information available as soon as possible and they should expect an outcome where justice is served."

Officer Badgujar’s body-worn camera footage and the body-worn camera footage of a second officer who arrived to assist Officer Badgujar have been reviewed by Chief Manger and investigative personnel.

Several uninvolved witnesses who observed the confrontation and the shooting in the parking lot were also interviewed by detectives, police said.

Investigation revealed the following, according to a police statement:

• As the officer attempted to speak with Mr. White, he became combative and assaulted the officer.
• The officer attempted to pepper spray White.
• Over the course of the next minute, the officer requested assistance and kept White in his sight.
• As White walked on Three Oaks Drive away from the officer, the officer went to his cruiser to turn off the ignition.
• At this point White began approaching the officer and as he got closer, began running at the officer; the officer back-pedaled, and White knocked him down as the officer discharged his weapon.
• White fell, got up, stood over the officer who was still on the ground, and continued to assault the officer, at which time the officer fired additional rounds.
• White fell and was secured. Additional responding officers provided medical assistance to him until Fire and Rescue personnel arrived.

Badgujar is assigned to the Patrol Division and works in the 3rd District, police said. He has been placed on paid Administrative Leave.

An established agreement between the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office says that when an officer-involved shooting involving injury or death occurs in one county, the other county’s State’s Attorney’s Office will review the event.

Once detectives complete this investigation, their findings will be reviewed by the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine if the Montgomery County police officer acted within the law and if the circumstances of the case need to be brought before a grand jury.

The Department, in consultation with the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, will release the video once the criminal case is completed, police said.

"I understand the anxiety and anger that the shooting of an unarmed black man engenders. I deeply regret that this incident occurred, and we will thoroughly examine our protocols and procedures in the light of this tragedy," Elrich said.

This shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.

Photo of Marc Elrich via Montgomery Community Media