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Investigators identified the security guards involved in a fatal shooting on Wednesday night at a Northrop Grumman facility in Anne Arundel County.
Joseph Keith Aman, 37, of Baltimore, was shot and killed at the Linthicum facility near Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, county police announced Thursday.
County police said officers were called around 3:30 p.m. to the facility in the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard. Maryland Transportation Authority police secured the scene.
Police said the shooting stemmed from a dispute between Aman and another guard, Dylan Blake Chandler, 26, of Pasadena. Chandler was denied bail on Thursday.
According to police, the two contracted security guards got into a dispute inside the facility, leading Chandler to shoot Aman. A third guard intervened, disarmed Chandler, and took him into custody, police said. Aman died at the scene.
The charging documents state that Aman called Chandler into an office, along with another security guard, to discuss ongoing performance issues that were likely to result in Chandler’s termination.
The third security guard told investigators that while his back was turned, he heard a loud bang. He turned around to see Chandler holding a gun at Aman. The guard then disarmed Chandler, restraining him until police arrived.
Detectives said Chandler later admitted to shooting Aman once in the head. Chandler told police he “snapped” because he believed Aman was not being held accountable for his own actions, according to charging documents.
“It’s crazy, the world we live in today — especially at a place like Northrop Grumman,” said Jarvez Pierce, a community member.
Pierce praised the security guard for intervening.
“I think that’s awful. It just feels like you’re not safe at any time,” said Tisha, a nearby resident. “I think there needs to be more control More investigations into the type of people you’re hiring for those types of positions, because it’s concerning. It’s also concerning for the people who work inside the building.”
Both Northrop Grumman and Allied Security Services said they are cooperating fully with the investigation and are offering counseling services to employees who may need support.
The isolated incident did not involve Northrop Grumman employees, police said.
County police said a weapon was recovered and Chandler was charged with first- and second-degree murder and related charges.
In a statement sent Wednesday night to WBAL-TV 11 News, Northrop Grumman said: “We are aware of an isolated incident involving two contractors at one of our Baltimore area facilities. We are working with local law enforcement as they investigate the incident. The safety of our employees and contractors at all our facilities remains our top priority.”
Anyone with information is asked to call county police at 410-222-4731 or the tip line at 410-222-4700.
A preliminary hearing for Chandler is scheduled for next month.
