Watch CBS News

'Evidence Supports Self-Defense' In Shooting Involving Baltimore Officer

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—"The evidence supports a clear case of self-defense," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams following an investigation into a shooting involving an off-duty Baltimore officer.

On December 19, 2015, shots rang out on a quiet street when the suspect, Edel Moreland, tried to rob an off-duty Baltimore officer at gun point.

The officer fired his weapon and Moreland died as a result of the shooting.

"It appears that this is a robbery gone wrong and the officer fired in self-defense," said Lt. Frashure, of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

Detectives canvassing the crime scene discovered the gun Moreland was brandishing was fake.

Adams released a statement on the shooting on Wednesday saying, ""Both my office and the Anne Arundel County Police Department have investigated and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the shooting event on December 19, 2015. It is tragic when any type of altercation ends in death. In this case, we looked at the facts, and the evidence supports a clear case of self-defense. Officer John Bilheimer believed the robbery suspect presented a threat to his life, as well as the others present. Officer Bilheimer acted in an appropriate manner to protect their lives, as well as his. My office has met with the family of Mr. Moreland, the decadent, to share with them the results of the investigation."

The Baltimore officer is an 18-year veteran of the force.

RELATEDOff-Duty Officer Fatally Shoots Robbery Suspect Brandishing Toy Gun

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.