GERMANTOWN, Md. (WMAR) — Police have released a nearly eight minute body cam video of Montgomery County officers in a standoff with a knife wielding man at a Germantown 7-Eleven.
The incident happened last Wednesday on Wisteria Drive. A worker told a 911 dispatcher, “I cannot talk to you because I have trouble. Can you come fast? Please help!”
When the first officer got on scene, she noticed the store had multiple employees and customers, including a child inside. The officer asked if everything was alright, when an employee replied "no, he's armed with a knife," while pointing to a man at the counter.
The man, later identified as 47-year-old Rodney Taylor-Smith then stepped back from the counter, holding a two sided bladed knife.
At this point, the officer drew her gun and told Smith to drop the knife several times. After Smith refused, the officer had the customers and workers move to the back of the store, away from Smith.
As more officer's arrived, Smith continued ignoring their demand to drop the knife and instead told officer's to drop their guns.
One officer twice tried to tase Smith, but was unsuccessful. Smith then put the knife in his pocket. After several more minutes of trying to talk Smith down, an officer was able to tackle him to the ground and place him into custody.
Witnesses told police the whole thing began when Smith tried returning an item, and was told that he needed a receipt.
No one was injured during the incident.
Smith is charged with multiple counts of first and second degree assault, and reckless endangerment. He's being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.
