COLUMBIA, Md. — A 25-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday morning during an encounter with police officers responding to a reported mental health crisis at an apartment complex in Columbia. The fatal shooting is now under investigation by state officials, as family members and the community seek answers about the tragic outcome.
According to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, the incident occurred shortly after 12:09 a.m. on March 1 at Patuxent Commons, a recently opened apartment complex located on Freetown Road in the Hickory Ridge neighborhood. Authorities identified the man who died as 25-year-old Alexander Lamorie.
Investigators said officers from the Howard County Police Department were dispatched after receiving a 911 call from a man who reportedly made suicidal statements and threatened to harm himself. When officers arrived at the building, they were initially unable to locate him inside. As they exited the complex, they encountered Lamorie in the parking lot walking toward them while holding a knife.
Authorities stated that officers repeatedly ordered Lamorie to drop the weapon, but he refused. Three officers — Officer Joel Rodriguez, a two-year veteran; Officer Cody Bostic, a six-year veteran; and PFC Joseph Riebau, a 10-year veteran — then opened fire. Lamorie was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that a knife was recovered nearby following the shooting.
The Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division, which is responsible for reviewing all fatal police-involved incidents in Maryland, is leading the investigation. Officials said available body-worn camera footage will be released within 20 business days in accordance with state policy. The review will examine the actions of the officers and the events leading up to the shooting.
The incident occurred outside Patuxent Commons, a $44 million public-private partnership led by the Autism Society of Maryland and Mission First Housing Group. The complex provides affordable housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities. In a joint statement, the organizations described the shooting as “a disturbingly tragic event” and said their immediate focus is supporting residents and staff as they cope with shock and grief in the aftermath of the incident.
