A deputy who fired his service weapon was not injured.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has released the body cam video from a shooting incident on March 18th, 2022 in the early morning hours.
Dfc Christian Lucente was in his patrol vehicle, attempting to initiate a traffic stop along Interstate 270 and Route 85. Authorities say the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed, and was suspected of driving under the influence. The driver refused to stop and chase began.
The pursuit continued off of I-270 and to the Kingsbrook Community where the driver being pursued, identified as Lookman-Khalil Abolago Bello, of Hagerstown, stopped his vehicle and bailed out on Castle Court.. A foot chase began. During that time, shots were fired. The Sheriff’s Office says Bello fired at Dfc Lucente, and Lucente returned fire, striking Bello three times. The incident took place in the 6900 block of Rooks Court. Lucente and the other deputies and bystanders on the scene were not hurt.
Bello was treated by deputies and medics before being medivaced to University of Maryland Shock Trauma with non-life threatening injuries.
“The public should note that two important points after reviewing the footage, how quickly the attempt to make a traffic stop turned into a foot pursuit ending with Deputy Lucente forced to exchange gunfire in the darkness. Then, despite the adrenalin and emotion of the critical situation, Deputy Lucente immediately turns his efforts to administer appropriate aid before the arrival of EMS. This is an example and a reminder of the threats and risks that law enforcement can face at any moment,” says Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, in a statement.
The video can be viewed at https://youtube.be/gikOSGk7-Q.
The video was provided by Dfc Jessica Dixon’s body camera. At the time, the Sheriff’s Office says Dfc Lucente was not wearing a body worn camera because the agency was in a trial evaluation of the cameras, and not all deputies had body worn cameras.
During a trial in February, 2024, Bello was convicted of attempted 1st-degree murder, several firearms offenses and fleeing police.. He was sentenced on July 10th, 2024 to life plus 15 years in prison.
By Kevin McManus