The Prince George’s County Police Department is actively searching for the man who opened fire on officers in Temple Hills on Wednesday night. No officers were injured.
On March 10, 2021, at approximately 10:10 pm, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a driver in the 3400 block of Branch Avenue. The driver had just struck a civilian’s car in a parking lot and then struck an officer’s marked cruiser. The suspect refused to stop. At the intersection of Branch Avenue and Colebrooke Drive, the suspect made a U-turn on Branch Avenue. While doing so, the suspect fired at the officers behind him, striking the front windshield of the first patrol car. A second cruiser was also struck. One of the officers then returned fire. At this time, it’s not believed the suspect was struck. The suspect then sped down Branch Avenue into Washington, DC. His vehicle is described as a darker-colored, four-door sedan.
“We are grateful and relieved this dangerous suspect didn’t hurt, or even kill, one of our officers or citizens when he recklessly opened fire last night on Branch Avenue. We are in the early stages of what will be a comprehensive investigation into this incident and will release additional information when the investigation allows. The Internal Affairs Division and Criminal Investigation Division are leading this effort,” said Interim Chief Hector Velez.
Investigators are reviewing body-worn camera video, cruiser dash-camera video and additional evidence collected at the scene.
The officer who discharged his duty weapon is on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.