Guard Fatally Shoots Stabbing Suspect at Waldorf Bar, Sheriff Says

WALDORF, Md. A private security guard fatally shot a man during a confrontation at The Cut Bar & Restaurant on October 31, after the man stabbed another person and appeared to attempt a second stabbing, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office.

Officers responded to reports of a stabbing and shooting at the Business Park Court establishment at approximately 1:46 a.m.

Guard intervened before firing

The sheriff's office described its account as preliminary. Investigators said a dispute between two men escalated when one produced a knife. The guard tried to control the man's hand and weapon, but the man stabbed the other person in the abdomen. The guard then fired as another stabbing attempt appeared to begin.

Authorities identified the man who died as William Pierre Strong, 41. He went outside and collapsed in the parking lot, where responding officers found him still holding the knife. Officers and emergency personnel provided aid, but he died at the scene, NBC4 Washington reported, citing the sheriff's office.

The other man's injuries did not appear life-threatening, authorities said. Southern Maryland News Net separately reported that an ambulance took the stabbing victim to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center.

Prosecutorial review planned

Detectives said they would present the case to the State's Attorney's Office. The October 31 release announces neither charges nor a decision that the guard's use of force was justified.

The release does not identify the guard or explain what started the confrontation.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Logsdon at 301-609-6436, according to the sheriff's office.

Related professional resource: GuardGuides' paid Security Incident Report Writing Reference Guide 2026 covers factual documentation and separating observations from assumptions. It is a general reporting resource, not a legal assessment of this shooting.