The officers were called to a condominium in Owings Mills at about 1 am local time Thursday, in response to a call alleging domestic violence. When officers arrived, officials said, they could hear a woman screaming inside.
When officers entered the home, they were confronted by a suspect who appeared to be making threatening body movements, Baltimore County Police Department Chief James Johnson said. At least 19 shots were fired during the ordeal, CBS Baltimore reported.
Later, it was discovered that the suspect -- identified as 41-year-old Spencer Lee McCain -- was not armed. He later died from his injuries, officials said.
Johnson said numerous incidents of domestic violence have been reported at McCain's address in the past, and the responding officers knew it. Over the last two and-a-half years, police said they have responded to the home 17 times. A court order also reportedly barred McCain from the home.
The woman inside the home had multiple injuries to her head, face and arms, CBS Baltimore reported.
"She also stated in her statement to the police officers, the detectives, that Mr. Spencer McCain said, 'You're going to get the beating you deserve,'" Johnson said.
Two children inside the home, ages 10 and 2, called a grandmother to report the fighting. The grandmother called police, UPI reported.
The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, officials said.