Two troopers with Maryland State Police responded just before 11 p.m. to a home on West Mervell Court, off of Three Notch Road, after receiving a report of a possible suicidal person. Through an initial investigation, it was determined that they approached the front door of the home, where they met Anthony Oliveras Jr.
Investigators say Oliveras was armed with a knife and stepped outside of the home, lunging towards one of the troopers in an attempt to stab him. The knife then pierced the trooper’s uniform and ballistic vest.
Both troopers then fired their guns, striking him. The troopers, along with another trooper from their Leonardtown Barrack and a deputy from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, who both arrived after the shooting, immediately provided aid until EMS arrived.
Too often, when police are called to intervene in a mental health crisis or perform a “wellness check,” the person who needs help is killed.
Didn’t really answer my question. But if you are mad that the dude got shot, which to be fair is unfortunate, just think how you would handle a situation where somebody is running at you with a knife and you have a gun.
According to the article, the man didn’t run. He ‘lunged’. My response, even before he lunged, would have been to back away, beyond lunging distance.