But the person she shot is facing charges.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy who shot a man who lunged at her with a knife has been returned to duty. Deputy Samantha Foland was placed on administrative leave after the shooting on Tuesday, March 21st.
Major Tim Clarke with the Sheriff’s Office says the man who was shot, Alexander Astudillo, 32, is currently at the University of Maryland Hospital in Good Condition. “Upon his released, documents charging Mr. Astudillo with the following charges will be served: 1st-degree assault, 2nd-degree assault and reckless endangerment,” he says.
Deputy Foland was dispatched to a home on Mississippi Lane in New Market shortly before midnight on March 20th for an open 911 line. She and other deputies learned that the caller’s son was acting strangely, possibly due to a reaction to medication. A male could be heard yelling in the background.
Deputy Foland arrived at the residence at 12:10 AM on March 21st. Three minutes later, Deputy Foland radioed that there were shots fired, and a one man was injured. She requested emergency medical services be dispatched to the scene.
Major Clarke says in accordance with a memorandum of understanding which took affect in January, 2016, the incident was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. He says detectives for that agency confirmed the preliminary findings in this incident. “Mr. Astudillo had a knife pointed at Deputy Samantha Foland and refused to drop the knife despite being commanded to do so several times by Deputy Foland,” he says. “Mr. Astudillo then lunged at Deputy Foland who fired her service weapon once, striking Mr. Astudillo in the hand and chest.”
He was medivaced to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma. At the time he was in stable condition.
Deputy Foland has been reinstated for full duty, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
By Kevin McManus