Police shoot, kill man after officer attacked

BALTIMORE (WMAR) - Baltimore City Police released the names of two officers involved in a shooting in West Baltimore on Saturday.

Officer John Kosko, 24, a two year veteran of the force and Officer Robert Perisco, 21,  a member of the force since 2011, responded to the 1600 Block of West Lexington Street after receiving a call of a burglary around 12:30 p.m.

Once crews arrived on the scene, they noticed an open door or window and became suspicious.

Responding officers approached the home and were confronted by a man, police identified as Rudolph Abell, 68, with a weapon.

Community member Lisa Holden told ABC2 News that Abell was a well-known homeless man in the neighborhood affectionately called “Mr. Rudy” who used to sleep in abandoned houses.

Although he may have been well-known in the neighborhood, police say, the burglary suspect charged at officers with a knife or bottle, cutting Officer Kosko’s face.

Officer Perisco immediately responded by shooting Abell several times in his abdomen.

Police say the burglary suspect is dead, and the officer who was cut suffered minor injuries in this incident.

Police said neither officer has been involved in any shooting incidents.