Baltimore shootout near Jewish temple wounds cop, suspect

A Baltimore Police officer and a suspect were wounded by gunfire Tuesday afternoon during a barricade situation near a synagogue in the northwest section of city, authorities said.

The shooting occurred about 12:30 p.m. in the 6200 block of Park Heights Avenue, near the Agudath Israel of Baltimore synagogue, the Baltimore Police Department said. It was not clear whether synagogue services were being held during the incident.

The wounded officer was taken to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland, officials said.

The condition of the officer and the suspect were not released, but officials said the officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Mayor Brandon Scott said the officer was shot while responding to a barricade situation at a residence in northwest Baltimore. He said he was at the hospital where the officer was being treated.

“The brave men and women of BPD put their lives on the line every day to build a better, safer Baltimore,” the mayor posted on social media. “As the situation develops, our hearts are with this officer, their family, and the entire department.”

Authorities did not immediately provide details about the barricade situation, the shooting or the suspect. They urged people to avoid the neighborhood and the surrounding area as they investigate the “active shooter incident.”

The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police said it is “aware of the police involved shooting,” adding that “all involved members are in good spirits.”

The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office said it was responding to the scene of the shooting.

Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican who represents parts of Baltimore County, offered his support for the injured officer.

“Please join me in praying for the Baltimore police officer injured in the line of duty earlier today and for his family. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I am grateful for their courage and sacrifice,” Mr. Harris posted on social media.