SILVER SPRING, MD — The Silver Spring man shot and killed by a Montgomery County Police Officer was a "gentle soul," a neighbor told Montgomery Community Media.

Robert Lawrence White, 41, was killed on Monday afternoon. The officer who shot him was Officer Anand Badgujar, who has been with the Montgomery County Police Department for about two years. "The officer encountered an African American man in that area and attempted to speak with him, but the man became combative and a physical altercation occurred," a police statement after the shooting said.

White's neighbor on Dearborn Avenue, Quentin Nardi, told Montgomery Community Media that White suffered from mental health issues. He often went on walks to help manage his illness. "He was a gentle soul. He was a lovely man," Nardi said.

The shooting occurred at about 2:15 p.m. in the 9200 block of Three Oaks Dr. Badgujar came across White in the neighborhood and began investigating him as a suspicious person, police said. SEE ALSO:



Officer's Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Man Sparks Anger



Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man In Silver Spring Evidence shows Badgujar attempted to speak to White, but he became combative and assaulted him. Badgujar then attempted to pepper spray White.



As White walked on Three Oaks Drive away from Badgujar, the officer went to his cruiser to turn off the ignition. At this point White began approaching Badgujar and as he got closer, began running at Badgujar, police said.

Badgujar back-pedaled, and White knocked him down as Badgujar discharged his weapon. White fell, got up, stood over Badgujar who was still on the ground, and continued to assault him, police said. At this time Badgujar fired additional rounds.