Watch CBS News

Charges Weighed In Fatal Shooting By Police

WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) -- The Carroll County state's attorney is deciding whether to charge a Taneytown police officer in the fatal shooting of a man who allegedly threatened police with a hammer.

Deputy State's Attorney Alan Culver told the Carroll County Times that prosecutors received a Maryland State Police report on the incident Monday.

Taneytown police say the officer shot Edward Becker, 26, multiple times after Becker refused orders to drop the hammer.

Police responding to a call about a drunk and disorderly subject found Becker walking down the street, holding a hammer he had used to smash windows on his father's truck. They say Becker was within arm's length of one officer when he raised the hammer.

Taneytown Police Chief William Tyler says the officer has returned to regular duty.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.