PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Antonio Kelsey

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Antonio Kelsey, lost this day in 1980.

Officer Kelsey was born on March 15, 1957, in Washington, DC.  He joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in December of 1978.  After graduating from the academy, he was assigned to the Seat Pleasant station.

On the evening of February 2, 1980, Officer Kelsey was working a secondary employment assignment at a liquor store in Kentland.  At about 9:00 pm, Officer Kelsey saw a man inside the store in possession of marijuana.  Officer Kelsey approached the man at which point the suspect ran from the store.  Officer Kelsey ran after him and caught the suspect.  A struggle broke out as Officer Kelsey tried to arrest the man. During the struggle, the suspect gained control of Officer Kelsey's service weapon and shot him.  Officer Kelsey died of his injuries.

Officer Kelsey served the Prince George’s County Police Department for one year and was the 11th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice.  He was the 19th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George’s County.

At the time of his death, Officer Antonio M. Kelsey was 22 years old and survived by his parents.