Deputies responded to a reported domestic assault, property destruction and homicidal threats. Police were told John Francis Tippett Jr. had access to several weapons and had made threats to harm himself and shoot responding police. Deputies confirmed Tippett had multiple warrants for his arrest. Police tried to contain Tippett and heard shots being fired. Tippett went in and out of the residence, each time shooting at police and a compressed gas tank in the driveway. Deputies shot and killed Tippett.
Victim's Name: John Francis Tippett Jr.
Agency Responsible: St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 43
Race: White
Date of Death: January 27, 2020
County: St. Mary's
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Not fleeing
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 5505