Shooter From ‘Higher Elevation’ Opens Fire at Police in Maryland: Officials

Police tape is seen in this stock photo. Carl Ballou/Shutterstock

A gunman allegedly fired at Maryland police from what they said was a “higher elevation” in Gaithersburg when they were responding to a “parking hazard,” authorities said Wednesday.

“We are encouraging residents to shelter in place as this is an active scene,” said the Gaithersburg Police Department in a tweet.

Earlier, the Montgomery County Department of Police said officers were sent to 392 North Summit Ave for the “parking hazard” at around 3 p.m. When officers responded, they “reported being shot at from higher elevation,” officials said, without elaborating.

More officers responded and are “actively searching” for a suspect or suspects. No description of a suspect was given.

No injuries were reported, Montgomery County police said. It’s not clear if the officers involved returned fire.

Local media reported that a large police staging area was seen at the nearby Lakeforest Mall. Reports said that a SWAT team and emergency response unit were deployed.

Other details about the incident were not provided.

Montgomery County is located just north of Washington, D.C., and 20 miles west of Baltimore.