Police: Maryland officer fatally shot man who attacked him with knife

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, Md. - A man reporting a stolen bicycle suddenly lunged at a police officer with a knife and was shot dead by the officer, according to officials.

Police say that Officer Matthew McGowan was investigating the theft on Stedwick Road in Montgomery Village for about 17 minutes while he obtained information to write a theft report. Then, footage from Officer McGowan's body camera shows 28-year-old Richard Alexander Tilley pulling out a knife without any provocation and attacking McGowan.

Officer McGowan defended himself and fell to the ground, but Tilley continued to attack him, according to police.
Police say McGowan then fired multiple rounds at Tilley, striking him.

Assistance was called to the scene immediately. Tilley was transferred to the hospital where he later died.

McGowan is a five-year veteran and he was put on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues, according to officials.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240.773.5070.