Man charged with attempted murder in shooting of police officer in Pikesville

Baltimore County detectives arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with a Pikesville shooting that left an officer and a bystander injured on Sunday.

The man, identified as Shaka Kamara, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault and several gun offenses including possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, according to police. He is being held without bond.

Police officers responded to the 900 block of Milford Mill Road around 8:50 a.m. Sunday for a report of indecent exposure in Villa Nova Park in Pikesville and met with the complainant.

The person said he was riding his bike along a trail when a man exposed himself. Not long after, Officer P. Catalfamo and two other officers found a person matching the description the bike rider provided, according to police.

That person, whom police identified as Kamara, fled on foot, prompting a chase. Kamara stopped during the chase and took a “bladed stance” while concealing a gun, police said.

When Catalfamo tried to approach, Kamara shot, striking the officer in the upper body. Kamara then exchanged gunfire with another officer at the scene and tried to run away again, according to authorities.

During his second attempt to flee, Kamara robbed a man who was walking along the trail, taking a gun the man had, police said.

Another officer arrived at 9:15 a.m. and approached Kamara and the robbery victim, asking where his injured colleague was. Police said Kamara then started shooting at the officer with the stolen gun. The officer fired back, striking Kamara.

Police said the robbery victim was also shot during this exchange.

It remains unclear how many shots were exchanged between police and Kamara.

Police rendered aid to the officer, suspect and robbery victim, and all three were taken to nearby hospitals with gunshot wounds.

The shooting shut down a mile-long stretch of Milford Mill Road for hours as officials investigated. On Monday, county police said all three people were in stable condition and recovering from their injuries.

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough condemned the shooting and said the incident showed how “dangerous” and “unpredictable” policing can be in America.