Police shoot man wanted in assault

COLUMBIA, Md. (WMAR) - Howard County Police are trying to figure out the exact circumstances that lead up to an officer shooting and killing a man they say held his estranged girlfriend against her will and abducted their 2-year-old child.

Police say the suspect broke into his ex-girlfriends' Baltimore City house at about midnight this morning, put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. The woman was held against her will until she was able to escape early Thursday morning.

After the woman left the house, the suspect took their 2-year-old child and also left the area.

Baltimore City Police tracked the suspect to a Howard County home in the 9000 block of Constant Course in Columbia this evening where they were able to confirm his presence.

Police confronted the suspect and at some point became involved in an altercation. Officers ordered the man to show his hands repeatedly, but he did not comply. During the confrontation a Howard County Officer shot and killed the suspect in the back yard of a home.

The 2-year-old was not found at the home where the shooting happened, but instead was found at a relatives home unharmed.

The officer that was involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The name of the suspect has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.