PGPD Investigates Police-Involved Shooting in Seat Pleasant

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team (SIRT) is investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

On December 14, 2011, at approximately 12:01 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 6700 block of Valley Park Road for an armed individual who contacted police and was threatening to commit suicide. Upon their arrival, officers attempted to establish communication with the armed subject.

Several minutes later, the armed subject exited the residence, confronted the officers with a handgun in a threatening manner, and refused the officers’ commands to put the handgun down. Fearing for their safety and the safety of the citizens in the neighborhood, several Prince George’s County patrol officers discharged their County-issued weapons, striking the subject.

The subject, identified as James Henry Peoples, 43, of the 6700 block of Valley Park Road, was pronounced deceased on scene.

The involved officers, seven-year veteran Corporal Dwayne Smith, seven-year veteran Police Officer First Class Wesley Hamilton, three-year veteran Police Officer Sean Miller, three-year veteran Police Officer Jennifer Pastorek, and two-year veteran Police Officer Timothy Hancock. All of the involved officers are assigned to the Bureau of Patrol, District III. Each has been placed on routine administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy.

For more information, contact the Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.