Police in Maryland Release Footage of Fatal Police Shooting

Montgomery County Police Sgt. David Cohen aims and shoots Finan H. Berhe, as Berhe, holding a knife, charges at Cohen (Montgomery County Police video)

Maryland police released body camera footage of an officer shooting and killing a man who ran at him with a knife.

The incident took place on May 6 in White Oak near Washington, officials said. The video was released later in the week by the department.

Montgomery County Police Sgt. David Cohen was identified as the officer involved in the shooting, according to WJLA.

“For units heading to the weapons call, step it up priority,” a female dispatcher is heard over the district police channel, which covers Silver Spring. “Authority of 2-Ida-10.”

Approaching police sirens can be heard seconds later.

“Put the knife down!” Cohen told the man as he ran towards him before stopping and backing away. “Get on the ground! I don’t want to shoot you!” Cohen shouts before the suspect runs at him a second time.

Moments later, the officer shoots the man in the chest. In all, five gunshots can be heard.

Finan Berhe, 30, of White Oak, was identified as the man in the video. Officials told news outlets that Berhe was brandishing a large, butcher knife.

In the clip, Cohen is heard shouting commands at Behre at least five times.

A neighbor of Berhe’s called 911 to report that Berhe had thrown a rock at his window and told him to “call the police,” officials told the Washington Post.

Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones told the paper that Cohen rendered first aid to Berhe, who was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Cohen, a 17-year veteran of the police force, was placed on administrative leave, which is a standard procedure following a police shooting.