UPDATE 2/15/2026: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officers involved in the fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland.
The decedent is identified as 36-year-old Demarcus Irish of Clinton, Maryland.
The involved officers are identified as CCSO Sergeant Coulby, a 12-year veteran, and Police Officer First Class Kunz, a 15-year veteran. Both officers are assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit.
The IID continues to investigate the circumstances of this fatal police-involved shooting. Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
The officers on scene were equipped with body-worn cameras which recorded the incident. The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on an adult male in the 10000 block of Cobbler Place.
When officers approached the male who was the subject of the warrant, he produced a machete and raised it over his head, while facing the officers. Two officers fired their service weapons, striking the man. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene.
The man was pronounced dead on scene. Officers recovered a machete near the man. No officers were injured during the incident. The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras.
UPDATE 2/11/2026: On February 11, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers were in the area of Newport Circle and Cobbler Place in White Plains attempting to arrest an individual who had an active arrest warrant and protective order stemming from escalating domestic-related incidents.
As the officers approached, the individual pulled out a large machete and advanced towards them with the machete raised.
Two officers discharged their firearms, striking the individual. Officers immediately rendered medical aid, including CPR, until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Despite life-saving efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased.
No officers were injured.
The officers involved were wearing clothing identifying them as Charles County Sheriff’s officers and they were equipped with body-worn cameras.
Further, the subject was found to be wearing a tactical vest with what appeared to be body armor.
In accordance with Maryland law, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) was notified and has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Consistent with agency policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The IID will provide further updates and release additional information as appropriate.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at approximately 2:37 p.m., firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Cobbler Place in White Plains, for the reported shooting.
Police were actively attempting to serve multiple warrants on a suspect when the shooting occurred. The suspect was known to make threats to law enforcement and units were urged to use caution when dealing with him.
Units located the suspects vehicle on Cobbler Place, and a short time later announced a foot pursuit.
Within minutes of the foot pursuit, officers reported shots fired and requested EMS.
While rendering medical aid to the suspect, police found he was wearing body armor.
Firefighters and EMS responded to the scene to find police performing life-saving measures with the suspect suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.
EMS declared the patient deceased on the scene a short time later.
The incident is actively under investigation and updates will be provided when they become available.
