A Maryland Army Reservist was shot and killed by police after a standoff staged to avoid being sent back to duty in Iraq.
A man who authorities believe was an Army Reservist just called up to serve in Iraq was fatally shot by police in Leonardtown today after a standoff that began Christmas night. James Emerick Dean, 28, was shot by a St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputy when he pointed a gun at a tactical team that was about to use gas to try to force Dean out of his father’s house, Sheriff Tim Cameron said.
Dean’s family contacted police Monday night, saying he was armed and threatening to kill himself, the sheriff said. Dean later told police he would shoot anyone who entered the house. Dean was despondent about several things, including recent orders for him to go to Iraq, the family told authorities. Dean had returned in 2005 from a year-and-a-half long tour in Afghanistan. Cameron did not know what reserve unit Dean served in.
No one else was in the house during the standoff, Cameron said. Dean took several shots at police as they surrounded the house throughout the night, including one that struck a car where a deputy sat. The officer was not injured.
About noon, while police were preparing to use gas, Dean came out the front door and pointed his weapon at police, Cameron said. At that point, a deputy shot Dean once, killing him.
Bizarre. And tragically ironic.
