Baltimore County police said the man brandished a knife during an altercation before an armed guard opened fire early Sunday.
TOWSON, Md. — An armed security guard fatally shot a man who brandished a knife during a fight inside a Towson restaurant early Sunday, according to Baltimore County police, who are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter.
Officers responded at about 12:45 a.m. Oct. 25 to the Crackpot Bar in the 8100 block of Loch Raven Boulevard after a reported shooting. Investigators determined that a physical altercation had occurred inside the business before a man displayed a knife, police said. An armed security guard working at the location then fired a handgun and struck the man.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Authorities had not publicly identified him as of Sunday evening. Police also had not released the name of the security guard or provided additional information about the events that led to the fight.
A woman who was inside the restaurant was also injured during the incident and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to police. Authorities did not immediately disclose how she was injured or release details about the severity of her injuries.
The security guard remained at the restaurant after the shooting and is cooperating with investigators, police said. Authorities had not announced any criminal charges in connection with the shooting as the investigation continued Sunday.
Police described the shooting as an isolated incident and said there was no continuing danger to the public. Investigators have not publicly detailed who else was involved in the original altercation or what caused the confrontation to begin.
The case leaves several significant questions unresolved, including the sequence of events immediately before the gunfire and the circumstances under which the knife was displayed. Police have characterized their account as part of an ongoing investigation rather than a final determination about the shooting.
Authorities also had not released information about any surveillance footage, witness statements or other evidence investigators may be reviewing. No additional information about the security guard’s actions beyond the police account had been made public.
Baltimore County police continued to investigate the fatal shooting Sunday. The identities of the man who died and the injured woman, along with further details about the altercation, had not been released.
Author note: Last updated October 25, 2026.