WHITE PLAINS, Md. — Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies fatally shot a man armed with a large machete during an attempted arrest on February 11, 2026, in a residential area near Newport Circle and Cobbler Place.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. when officers responded to serve an active arrest warrant and protective order linked to escalating domestic-related incidents. As deputies approached the individual, he produced a large machete and advanced toward them with it raised. Two officers fired their service weapons, striking the man. No officers were injured in the encounter.
Deputies immediately provided medical assistance, performing CPR and other life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived. Despite these efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. After the shooting, officers discovered the man wearing a tactical vest containing what appeared to be body armor.
The officers were clearly identified as Charles County Sheriff’s personnel through their clothing and were equipped with body-worn cameras, which captured the event in line with department policy. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) assumed control of the probe, as required under state law for officer-involved shootings resulting in death. The two involved deputies were placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s conclusion.
The IID is expected to release additional details and updates as the inquiry progresses. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has deferred further comment to the independent investigators.
This event marks a serious use-of-force incident in Charles County, where deputies faced an immediate threat from a bladed weapon during a warrant service tied to domestic issues. The presence of body armor on the suspect adds complexity to the review of the officers’ actions and threat perception.
Authorities have not released the deceased individual’s identity or further specifics about the warrant’s origins beyond the domestic context. No additional suspects were reported, and the scene was secured without further violence.
The investigation will examine body-camera footage, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other factors to determine compliance with use-of-force protocols.