Maryland Police Officer Shot, Declared Dead At Hospital, Two Suspects Arrested [Updated]
A police officer was shot at the District III station near the Prince George’s County Police Department headquarters in Hyattsville, Maryland, at 7600 Barlowe Road, according to a report from ABC News. Reports indicate that three others, who remain unidentified, were also shot, according to ABC 7 KVAL, and the injured officer was rushed to Prince George’s Hospital Center, along with at least one of the victims.
While the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still unclear, it does not appear to have been a targeted attack on police. The department has stated that “we do not believe there are outstanding suspects but investigation is in early stages.” Police had previously advised that there may have been an active shooter, or shooters, and indicated that residents should remain indoors or at a police-established shelter.
At least one suspect surrendered to police at a Popeyes on Dodge Park and Landover Rd.
The FBI indicated that its Baltimore field office is assisting in the response; meanwhile, Route 202 remains closed at Route 495 and at Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway (Route 704), and traffic is unable to enter Barlowe Road from side-streets.
The suspects have not yet been identified.
This story is still developing, and the Inquisitr will continue to update as more information becomes available.
Update no. 1: According to the Toronto Sun, police have clarified that the first suspect (the accused gunman,) although still unidentified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a shoot-out with police, and was being treated in a nearby hospital; the second suspect was arrested shortly thereafter following a search.
The wounded officer, Jacai Colson, 28, who had been with the force for four years, has been declared dead at the hospital.
County Police Chief Henry Stawinski called the attack unprovoked, saying that he could offer no explanation as to what precipitated the shooting, at a news conference outside the hospital.
“It wasn’t about anything. This man launched an attack on a police station and engaged several Prince George’s County police officers in a gunfight, to which they responded heroically.”
The second suspect is currently being questioned, and police do not believe that anyone else was involved in the incident.
Update no. 2: More information has been made available this morning by Chief Stawinski.
“Officers weren’t in the process of apprehending him or engaging him in any way. They were going about their business on a Sunday afternoon, at their home, when they were attacked.”
According to a report from Fox News, Colson was ambushed by the suspect, who walked up to the officer and shot him without any warning.
Although the police insist that it had nothing to do with his death, Colson was working as an undercover narcotics officer at the time.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks promised to bring the shooters to justice.
“This is a crime against this entire community and we will treat it as such. His life was precious.”
She described the shooting as an “act of cowardice” and a “horrific act of evil” during her statement. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan also made a statement that he was “shocked and saddened” by the events. “It is my hope that his proud legacy of commitment and passion for law enforcement and serving others will provide some comfort in the difficult days that lie ahead.”
“He fired one shot, and then he started pacing back and forth, then fired another shot. Just looking outside, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, look at all these police officers running out, putting their lives really in danger.'”
Meanwhile, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have indicated that they are assisting Prince George’s County Police in their investigation.
[AP Photo/Evan Vucci]
