The family of Alex Lamorie, an autistic man who was fatally shot by Howard County police in March 2023, has expressed their disappointment with the decision that cleared the officers involved. In a statement released after the Attorney General's Office announced its findings, the family emphasized that the officers were "unprepared" to handle what they described as a mental health crisis. [1] The incident occurred when Lamorie was found wandering in Howard County and became agitated, leading police to approach him. However, his family believes the officers did not have the necessary training or resources to appropriately manage his condition. [2] In contrast, some community members and advocates for individuals with autism have criticized the clearance as a lack of accountability for law enforcement. They argue that such incidents highlight ongoing issues in how mental health crises are handled by police. [3] The Attorney General's Office concluded that while officers acted within their legal rights, they were not adequately prepared to handle the situation involving Lamorie, who had previously been diagnosed with autism and was known to have anxiety and depression.
Family of Autistic Man Killed by Police in Howard County Expresses Disappointment with Officers' Clearance
The family of an autistic man killed during a police encounter last March has criticized the officers' clearance, saying they were "unprepared" to handle his mental health crisis.
Story stats
Single source
- Left (1)
- Center (1)
- Right (1)
Sources agree
- Officers acted within their legal rights
Sources differ
- Officers were "unprepared" to handle a mental health crisis
Tone notes
- [1] uses alarmist language
- [2] frames story sympathetically