WHITE PLAINS, Md. — State authorities released body-worn camera footage March 6, 2026, from a fatal police-involved shooting in Charles County that claimed the life of 36-year-old Demarcus Irish of Clinton on February 11, 2026.
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General made the footage public as part of its ongoing probe into the incident, which occurred during an attempted arrest warrant service in the 10000 block of Cobbler Place near Newport Circle around 2:30 p.m.
Due to age-sharing restrictions, the video of the footage is only available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jzqgyauAEHg?si=dPlg9HfWUpIBYTtE
Charles County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Andrew Coulby, a 12-year veteran, and Police Officer First Class Brennan Kunz, a 15-year veteran, both assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit, were the involved officers. Preliminary accounts state that Irish produced a machete and raised it over his head while facing the deputies, leading both to discharge their service weapons.
Deputies immediately rendered aid, including CPR, until emergency medical services arrived. Irish was pronounced dead at the scene. A machete was recovered nearby. No officers sustained injuries.
The warrant stemmed from escalating domestic-related incidents, including a protective order violation. The IID, responsible for investigating all police-involved fatalities statewide, identified Irish and the officers in a February 13, 2026, release before issuing the footage.
Body-worn camera recordings captured the encounter. IID policy calls for releasing such footage within 20 business days, with possible extensions for witness interviews, identity protections, technical problems, or family viewing. The release occurred roughly three weeks after the event, aligning with standard procedures.
The division urges anyone with cellphone video, private surveillance footage, or additional details to contact investigators at (410) 576-7070 or IID@oag.maryland.gov.
This incident highlights the risks deputies face during warrant services tied to domestic violence cases in Southern Maryland, where rapid escalations involving weapons remain a recurring concern for law enforcement.
The IID investigation continues, with findings expected to determine any further steps. No criminal charges have been announced against the officers, and the review remains active.