Pytorcarcha Brooks dies in fatal Baltimore shooting
Fatal Baltimore shooting death of Pytorcarcha Brooks
The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division has officially identified the individual killed and the law enforcement personnel involved in a significant shooting incident that took place in Baltimore earlier this week. The event, which occurred on June 25th, 2025, in the 2700 block of Mosher Street, is now officially logged by the Baltimore Police Department.
Officials have confirmed that the deceased is a 70-year-old woman named Pytorcarcha Brooks, who was a resident of Baltimore. The officers who were present during the incident have been named as Stephen Colbert, with eight years of service, and Stephen Galewski, who has been with the department for three years, both assigned to the patrol division.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. on June 25th when multiple dispatches sent officers to a residence in the specified area. Upon their arrival, they found that Brooks was inside and was experiencing what authorities describe as a behavioral health emergency. Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department indicated that efforts were made to communicate with Brooks, but these attempts were unsuccessful in calming the situation.
To proceed, officers tried to enter the residence and observed that Brooks was brandishing a knife. Despite repeated instructions to put the weapon down, she disregarded the commands and charged at the officers. In response, a taser was employed, but it failed to subdue her. As the situation escalated, one officer stumbled over an object and fell to the ground. Brooks then attacked this officer while still holding the knife. In defense, another officer fired two shots, resulting in the woman’s death.
Immediate medical attention was provided to Brooks at a nearby hospital, but she did not survive her injuries. The officer who was injured during the struggle suffered a back injury and was also transported to a medical facility for treatment. Importantly, no injuries were reported among the officers from direct contact with Brooks.
The ongoing investigation by the IID is examining the entire sequence of events surrounding the shooting. Anyone possessing relevant information, including any visual recordings or other evidence, is urged to come forward and assist with the probe by contacting the IID at 410-576-7070.
