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Police: Officers face gunfire when responding to a call in Gaithersburg

The shelter in place order has been lifted, but the search for the suspect is ongoing.

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Gaithersburg Police officers took on gunfire from a person on a top floor balcony Wednesday afternoon in the 300 block of N. Summit Avenue just before 3 p.m., according to a Montgomery County Police tweet. 

Montgomery County Police said that Gaithersburg Police officers were in the area after being dispatched by their own department to investigate a parking violation. 

While questioning a driver they believed was under the influence, two officers reported that a gun went off and a shot came dangerously close to them. 

The shooting led to a shelter in place order lasting several hours for people living at the Spring Ridge apartment complex in the 300 block of N. Summit Avenue, according to Gaithersburg Police in a statement to WUSA9.

Cynthia Wilson, who lives in the Spring Ridge apartment complex, said she heard the shot when she went outside.

"I went out on the balcony and I heard a gunshot," she said. "I remained alert after that because it sounded like a gunshot to me. I was scared.”

Video captured by Wilson showed a group of officers behind a corner of an apartment building, some of them holding long guns, as others looked for whoever shot the gun.

Michelle Sodee, who also lives at Spring Ridge, told WUSA 9 that she knew something was wrong when she saw a SWAT car moving near her home.

"There were people with big guns walking by," she said. "It was definitely scary. I was surprised it was going on. You hear things going on but to be right next to it is just insane.”

As of Wednesday night, both Montgomery County Police and Gaithersburg Police were still searching for suspect(s) and continuing to investigate what happened.

On Thursday, Montgomery County Police released a portion of the officer's body-worn camera footage that captured the sound. In the video, it indicates where officers were at the time the sound was heard and what actions the officers took to remove themselves from the potential threat. 

Detectives continue to investigate this incident and urge anyone with information to contact the Gaithersburg Police – Investigation Section at 301-258-6400. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Police Tip Line at 301-330-4471.

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