Police investigating non-fatal shooting in Columbia

NEWS RELEASE
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For release: July 31, 2009 Contact: Sherry Llewellyn
410-313-2236

Howard County police are investigating a non-fatal shooting that occurred at approximately 12:55 p.m. Friday in the 5000 block of Green Mountain Circle in Columbia.

The victim, an 18-year-old Columbia man who was visiting the residence, was transported to Shock Trauma by ambulance with a non-life threatening injury. The victim’s name is being withheld, pending family notification.

A day care center and elementary school were initially placed on lockdown while police established a perimeter to search for the suspect. The lockdown has been lifted, and police do not believe there is a danger in the area.

Police are investigating whether the victim and suspect knew one another. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-313-3200. Callers may remain anonymous.

Update:
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

For release: July 31, 2009 Contact: Sherry Llewellyn
410-313-2236

Police investigating non-fatal shooting in Columbia
Reward up to $1,000

Howard County police are investigating a non-fatal shooting that occurred at approximately 12:55 p.m. Friday in the 5000 block of Green Mountain Circle in Columbia. The victim, 18-year-old Walter Richardson of the 5500 block of Sheffield Ct. in Columbia, who was visiting the residence, was transported to Shock Trauma by ambulance with a non-life threatening injury to the leg.

Through the initial investigation, police believe the suspect made entry to the apartment through an unlocked rear door, fired at the victim and fled. Detectives are investigating whether the victim and suspect knew one another.

Police are offering a reward up to $1,000 in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-313-3200. Callers may remain anonymous.

Update:
NEWS RELEASE
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
OPFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For release: July 31, 2009 Contact: Elizabeth Schroen
After hours: 410-313-3200

Police charge Columbia man in non-fatal shooting earlier today
Suspect accidentally shot acquaintance, made false statements to police

Howard County police have charged a Columbia man for an accidental shooting that occurred earlier today in Wilde Lake. Jamal Stevenson Strickland, 19, of no fixed address, has been charged with reckless endangerment, making false statements to police, illegal possession of a handgun and two other firearms charges.

The victim, 18-year-old Walter Richardson, of the 5500 block of Sheffield Court in
Columbia, was visiting Strickland at an apartment in the 5000 block of Green Mountain Circle where Strickland was staying. Strickland accidentally discharged a gun and struck Richardson in the leg. Richardson was transported to Shock Trauma by ambulance with a non-life threatening injury.

Strickland initially told police a suspect had entered the apartment through an unlocked rear door, fired at the victim and fled. Through investigative efforts, police determined that statement was false and identified Strickland as the shooter.

Strickland is awaiting a bail hearing.