Baltimore Co. police identify man, 45, shot by officer

Baltimore County authorities have identified a man who was shot by police on Labor Day after he allegedly tried to shoot an officer in the head with the officer's service weapon at a Randallstown shopping center.

Police said Henry Francis Harris Jr., 45, who had no prior brushes with the law according to court records, was "chasing and assaulting" people in the parking lot of a Food Lion in the 9900 block of Liberty Road about 7:45 a.m. Monday.

When an officer arrived, police say Harris opened the door to the officer's cruiser and began striking the officer. He grabbed the officer's gun and placed it to the officer's head, pulling the trigger, police said. The officer was "able to eject the magazine and fire the round that was in the chamber prior to Harris gaining control of the gun," police said.

Harris was shot after he pointed the gun at a second officer. He has been charged with attempted murder and assault.

The officers were identified Friday as Officer Brocato, a four-year veteran who was first to the scene, and Officer O'Connell, a two-year veteran who fired on Harris. According to department policy, county police only identify officers by their last names.

Baltimore County police spokesman Lt. Rob McCullough said police did not know what sparked the incident. Both officers have been placed on routine administrative duty.

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