BALTIMORE — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced that no criminal charges will be brought against police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a woman in June 2025.
The incident occurred on June 25, when Baltimore Police responded to a residence on Mosher Street following two 911 calls. One call requested a welfare check, while the other reported a woman allegedly attempting to stab the caller.
Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with the individual inside, later identified as Pytorcarcha Brooks. A family member informed the officers that Brooks was not taking her medication and had attempted to stab him. He also noted that she had barricaded the back door with a heavy object.
Officers determined that Brooks was experiencing a mental health crisis and required evaluation. While trying to engage her, Brooks emerged, yelling obscenities and brandishing a knife through a partially opened door. Medics on the scene assessed her inability to refuse medical treatment.
After discussions among responders, it was decided that police would enter through the front door to secure Brooks for medical transport. Inside, Officer Stephen Galewski encountered Brooks, who was still armed with the knife. Despite multiple commands to drop the weapon, Brooks advanced toward Galewski.
Galewski deployed his Taser, but it failed to incapacitate Brooks. During the encounter, Galewski fell as he attempted to retreat, prompting Officer Stephen Colbert to discharge his weapon, striking Brooks.
Medical aid was rendered on the scene, and Brooks was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division initiated an investigation immediately following the shooting and concluded its findings in May 2026. After reviewing the evidence, the office determined that the officers acted within the law and declined to file charges.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).
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