BALTIMORE — A festive night in Federal Hill after the Orioles clinched the American League East when gunfire outside the Wayward Bar on S. Charles Street ended the life of off-duty Howard County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Demby.
“At night, it can get a little bit tense around here,” said Fred Gibson who lives in the area, “They generally have good security, but the security can’t watch everything, and the police presence has been better, but evidently it wasn’t good enough last night.”
People who were inside the establishment just before the shooting said a fight broke, forcing security to remove some people from the bar.
According to councilman Eric Costello, the suspected shooter is in custody.
UPDATE – ARREST MADE
— Eric Costello (@CouncilmanETC) September 29, 2023
Homicide in South Baltimore on 1100 block of S Charles St on Fri, Sep 29 at 12:14am pic.twitter.com/ubQIHgxyrq
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office says Demby, who had only served as a deputy for less than a year, was present when a verbal argument broke out between other patrons.
How he became targeted outside the bar remains unknown.
“When it comes down to it, for the community, for the people and friends and family, keep pushing baby steps and you got to honor him in a different way,” said John Kennelly as he walked his dog down the block where the shooting occurred, “He didn’t die right there for no reason so we’ve got to honor him in another way.”
The sheriff’s office has issued a statement saying, “Our hearts are broken for the Demby family, Ryan’s friends and colleagues and our entire sheriff’s office family.”
Ryan followed in his father’s footsteps serving alongside Sgt. Sam Demby, who remains on the force today.
Governor Wes Moore issued a statement offering his condolences.
“My heart goes out to the friends, family, and colleagues of Ryan Demby–and all those who knew him and loved him. In raising his hand to serve as sheriff’s deputy, he made the courageous choice to protect our communities–and should still be with us today.
My office has been in close contact with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, and I have personally spoken with Sheriff Harris. We will continue to monitor this situation closely as the Baltimore Police Department carries out a full and thorough investigation into this matter.”
A press conference will be held tomorrow about the arrest at Baltimore Police Headquarters.
In the meantime, aGoFundMe has been launched to help with funeral costs.
