WASHINGTON — An officer-involved shooting in Silver Spring late last year has been ruled an accident, and the officer will not face charges.
But what led up to the shooting still has investigators looking for answers.
On Nov. 5, 2017, the Montgomery County police got a report of a car being rammed by an SUV at the Stoneymill Square shopping center, at Viers Mill and Randolph roads.
Officer Todd Archer responded, and the SUV’s driver was hit by a bullet from Archer’s gun. The driver, who wasn’t identified, was seriously hurt, but the injuries were not life-threatening.
After reviewing footage from Archer’s body-worn camera, the police said it appears that Archer was trying to use his gun like a hammer to smash through the driver’s-side window of the SUV when the gun went off.
Capt. Paul Starks told WTOP that using a gun in this way is not something the department teaches, but there are circumstances in which it can happen.
Police say there are still questions about why the officer apparently used his gun this way in this particular case.
Under an agreement between the two counties, Montgomery County police detectives investigated the shooting and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s office reviewed the findings.
The review was completed in December and found no need for criminal charges.
The Montgomery County Police Internal Affairs Division is still investigating. Police say the SUV driver will not face charges related to the reported ramming. Archer remains on paid administrative leave.
