Howard County police officers fatally shot Alex Lamorie, a 25-year-old man with autism, on March 1 in Columbia, Maryland. The Maryland Attorney General's Office's Independent Investigations Division is investigating the incident. It is unclear whether responding officers were aware of Lamorie's autism during the encounter. Police say that Lamorie himself had exchanged personal information and photos online with someone claiming to be a young woman, who threatened to release them unless money was paid. The county police are also investigating an extortion complaint filed against Lamorie. Howard County police say that around 80% of their officers are certified members of their Crisis Intervention Teams to help interact with people with mental health issues and intellectual disabilities. The expansion of less-lethal tools is being considered, including purchasing additional Tasers for officers.