Maryland IID investigates Baltimore County police use-of-force encounter in Woodlawn that left man critically injured

Incident occurred near Security Boulevard and Whitehead Court during a welfare check

Maryland’s Independent Investigations Division is investigating a Baltimore County Police Department use-of-force incident that left an adult man critically injured in Woodlawn, Baltimore County.

The encounter began early Monday, February 16, 2026, when an officer was sent to check on the welfare of a man who had been sitting at a traffic light for an extended period of time in the area of Security Boulevard and Whitehead Court. The call came in during the early morning hours; investigators have placed the time of the response at about 3:30 a.m.

What investigators say happened

Investigators said the officer encountered the man inside a vehicle. The man then exited the vehicle and approached the officer. A physical encounter followed, during which the officer used force.

During the encounter, the man fell to the ground and suffered an apparent injury, investigators said. The officer provided medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. The man was transported to a hospital and remained in critical condition as of the most recent public update.

Investigators said the officer was not injured.

Body-worn camera and expected public releases

Officials said the officer was equipped with a body-worn camera. Under the state division’s protocol, names are typically released within two business days. In this case, the division said it is delaying the release of names because the injured man remains in critical condition.

The division also generally releases body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident, though officials note that additional time can be required in certain circumstances. Those circumstances can include the need to complete witness interviews, address technical issues related to protecting civilian identities, or allow family members to view footage before it is made public.

How the Independent Investigations Division fits into Maryland oversight

The Independent Investigations Division is part of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and is tasked with investigating police-involved incidents in the state that result in death or injuries likely to lead to death. The division was established through statewide police accountability reforms enacted in 2021, and its authority was expanded in 2023 for incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2023.

Request for information from the public

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the Woodlawn incident—including cell phone video or private surveillance footage—to contact the Independent Investigations Division.

• Location: Woodlawn area of Baltimore County (Security Boulevard and Whitehead Court)
• Date and time: February 16, 2026, about 3:30 a.m.
• Status: Adult male hospitalized in critical condition; investigation ongoing

The investigation remains in its preliminary stages, and officials have indicated additional disclosures—such as identities and video—will follow on the division’s timeline and protocol.