PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Richard Findley

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Sergeant Richard S. Findley, lost this day in 2008.

Sergeant Findley was born on June 5, 1969. He was raised in Beltsville and graduated from High Point High School in 1987. Sergeant Findley joined the Prince George's County Police Department in July of 1998. Upon graduation in February of 1999, Sergeant Findley was assigned to the Beltsville District station. He initially served as a patrol officer and later became a member of the Special Assignment Team.

On the morning of June 27, 2008, Sergeant Findley was conducting surveillance at the Laurel Pines apartment complex on Bowie Road in Laurel. Sergeant Findley was watching an unoccupied vehicle that was displaying stolen registration plates in the parking lot. At approximately 11:45 am, two suspects approached and entered the vehicle. As Sergeant Findley exited his police vehicle to make contact, the suspects in the stolen vehicle accelerated and intentionally struck him. Sergeant Findley was dragged by the suspect vehicle and suffered severe injuries. He was rushed to Laurel Regional Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Sergeant Findley served the Prince George's County Police Department for 10 years and was the 25th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 47th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Sergeant Richard Findley was 39 years old and survived by his wife and two daughters.

PGPD Investigates Homicide in Bowie

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a homicide in Bowie. The victim is 31-year-old Terrence Demond Zackery of Patriot Lane in Bowie. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On June 27, 2015, at about 4:25 am, patrol officers with the Bowie Police Department were called to the 1200 block of Patriot Lane. When they arrived, they found Zackery outside suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random act. Investigators are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD Searches for Driver Who Killed Bicyclist in Capitol Heights

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit wants to speak with anyone who witnessed or has information on a fatal hit-and-run in Capitol Heights last night. The victim was riding a bicycle. She's identified as 56-year-old Donna Holliday Clark of Ritchboro Road in Forestville.

On June 26, 2015, shortly before 11:00 pm, patrol officers were called to the 800 block of Ritchie Road for the report of a crash involving a pedestrian. When officers arrived, they found Clark suffering from critical injuries. She later died at a hospital. 

Preliminarily, it appears Clark was on her bike heading southbound on Ritchie Road when a car struck her from behind. That car is described as a black or dark-colored car, possibly a Dodge Charger. The driver did not stay on the scene. Investigators believe the car will now have minor front end damage. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 731-4422. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

PGPD In-Car Camera System Audit Findings

Earlier this year, Chief Mark Magaw ordered the Internal Affairs Division to complete an audit of all patrol cars equipped with a mobile video system. The primary goal was to determine how many of the cameras worked properly and how many didn’t. The audit took nearly one month to complete. At the audit's conclusion at the end of April, approximately 70% of our patrol fleet had fully-functional camera systems. 

 

The PGPD has a large patrol fleet with 1,048 marked patrol cruisers. Approximately half of our cruisers are equipped with older Kustom DVD-based systems. Nearly 500 are equipped with newer hard drive-based Panasonic systems. At the time they were inspected, roughly 40 of the Panasonic systems exhibited hardware or software malfunctions. All of these malfunctions are repairable and covered under a maintenance plan. Roughly half of the Kustom systems are not working properly. The PGPD is now finalizing plans to hire a full-time technician to work solely on the Kustom camera repairs, to fix those that can be and remove those that can’t since parts for these aging systems are no longer available.

The department began installing in-car cameras in 2000. We were among the first in the nation to embrace this technology and we are among only a few agencies in the entire region to have in-car cameras. We believe these cameras provide greater transparency to our community and enhance officer safety. It was clear in the early stages of the audit that many of our older cruisers had Kustom camera equipment which far exceeded the expected 3-5 year life span. Our ultimate goal is to have 100% of patrol cruisers to have working camera systems, but due to the high cost of the newer system, and in an attempt to be fiscally responsible, the PGPD is not replacing camera systems in older cruisers that will soon be taken off line due to high mileage. In many cases, the cost of the camera would exceed the value of the car. By year’s end, the department is slated to replace older cruisers with 100 new marked cruisers that will come with new Panasonic technology.

“If a citizen sees a cruiser with a camera inside, that citizen has the expectation that the camera is working. So do we. If the camera isn’t and can’t be fixed, we are going to soon remove those broken cameras altogether. We’re devoted to constitutional, ethical and professional policing. We want our community to know we where we currently stand with our in-car camera systems and where we’re going. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to our community and officer safety,”said Chief Mark Magaw.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Albert Claggett

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Police Officer Albert M. Claggett, IV, lost this day in 1978.

Police Officer Claggett was born on March 1, 1952, in Prince George's County. He was raised in New Carrollton and graduated from Parkdale High School. He joined the Prince George's County Police Department as a cadet on June 19, 1972. He started the police academy shortly thereafter, following in the footsteps of his father, retired Prince George's County Police Lieutenant Albert M. Claggett, III. After graduating on December 3, 1972, Police Officer Claggett was assigned to the Seat Pleasant station. He was transferred to the Hyattsville station in July of 1975.

On June 26, 1978, at about 1:30 am, Police Officer Claggett and Police Officer James B. Swart stopped a car on Annapolis Road in Bladensburg. The car matched the suspect description in the theft of laundry room coin boxes from a nearby apartment complex. The two occupants were arrested and taken to the Hyattsville station.

While processing the suspects, one of the men suddenly ripped Officer Claggett’s weapon from his holster and opened fire. Officer Claggett was seriously wounded and was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he died of his injuries a short time later. Police Officer Swart was also shot as he tried to assist Officer Claggett. Tragically, Police Officer Swart also succumbed to his injuries.

Police Officer Claggett served the Prince George's County Police Department for six years and was the 10th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 18th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Police Officer Claggett was 26 years old and survived by his wife and two sons.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer James Swart

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Police Officer James B. Swart, lost this day in 1978.

Police Officer Swart was born on December 27, 1952, in Prince George’s County. He was raised in Riverdale and graduated from Parkdale High School. He started the police academy on October 28, 1973, following in the footsteps of his father, a retired sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department. Police Officer Swart graduated on March 4, 1974, and was assigned to the Hyattsville station.

On June 26, 1978, at about 1:30 am, Police Officer Swart and Police Officer Albert M. Claggett, stopped a car on Annapolis Road in Bladensburg. The car matched the suspect description in the theft of laundry room coin boxes from a nearby apartment complex. The two occupants were arrested and taken to the Hyattsville station. While the suspects were being processed, one of them suddenly ripped Officer Claggett’s service weapon from his holster and opened fire. Hearing gunfire from another part of the station, Police Officer Swart rushed to assist Officer Claggett. The armed suspect shot Officer Swart in the chest as he approached. Officer Swart was rushed to the hospital where he sadly died of his injuries. Tragically, Officer Claggett died of his injuries too.

Police Officer Swart served the Prince George’s County Police Department for five years and was the ninth member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 17th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George’s County.

At the time of his death, Police Officer Swart was 25 years old and survived by his parents.

PGPD Identifies Victim in Fatal Crash in Camp Springs

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash in Camp Springs. The victim is 91-year-old Yvonne Jones Marshall of the 1000 block of Brightseat Road in Landover.

 

On June 20, 2015, at about 2:30 pm, patrol officers were called to the 5800 block of Allentown Road for the report of a crash involving three vehicles. Marshall was a passenger in one of the cars. She died of her injuries the next day. Preliminarily, none of the other drivers or passengers involved in this collision suffered life-threatening injuries.

 

Preliminarily, investigators believe a tow truck struck Marshall’s car as the car pulled out of a parking lot onto Allentown Road. The third involved car then struck the back of the truck.

 

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 306-5640. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone, or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

         

PGPD In-Car Camera System Audit Findings

News Conference Today at 12:30pm

 

Earlier this year, Chief Mark Magaw ordered the Internal Affairs Division to complete an audit of all patrol cars equipped with a mobile video system. The primary goal was to determine how many of the cameras worked properly and how many didn’t. The audit took nearly one month to complete. At the audit's conclusion at the end of April, approximately 70% of our patrol fleet had fully-functional camera systems.

 

The PGPD has a large patrol fleet with 1,048 marked patrol cruisers. Approximately half of our cruisers are equipped with older Kustom DVD-based systems. Nearly 500 are equipped with newer hard drive-based Panasonic systems. At the time they were inspected, roughly 40 of the Panasonic systems exhibited hardware or software malfunctions. All of these malfunctions are repairable and covered under a maintenance plan. Roughly half of the Kustom systems are not working properly. The PGPD is now finalizing plans to hire a full-time technician to work solely on the Kustom camera repairs, to fix those that can be and remove those that can’t since parts for these aging systems are no longer available.

 

The department began installing in-car cameras in 2000. We were among the first in the nation to embrace this technology and we are among only a few agencies in the entire region to have in-car cameras. We believe these cameras provide greater transparency to our community and enhance officer safety. It was clear in the early stages of the audit that many of our older cruisers had Kustom camera equipment which far exceeded the expected 3-5 year life span. Our ultimate goal is to have 100% of patrol cruisers to have working camera systems, but due to the high cost of the newer system, and in an attempt to be fiscally responsible, the PGPD is not replacing camera systems in older cruisers that will soon be taken off line due to high mileage. In many cases, the cost of the camera would exceed the value of the car. By year’s end, the department is slated to replace older cruisers with 100 new marked cruisers that will come with new Panasonic technology.

“If a citizen sees a cruiser with a camera inside, that citizen has the expectation that the camera is working. So do we. If the camera isn’t and can’t be fixed, we are going to soon remove those broken cameras altogether. We’re devoted to constitutional, ethical and professional policing. We want our community to know we where we currently stand with our in-car camera systems and where we’re going. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to our community and officer safety,” said Chief Mark Magaw.


Captain Bill Alexander, who oversaw the audit, will be available at police headquarters today at 12:30 pm to discuss the audit findings in more detail. Members of the media will also be able to see the older camera equipment we are phasing out as well as the new technology we are using in our patrol cruisers.

 

 

 

WANTED WEDNESDAY

Armed Robbery at ATM

A brazen daytime robbery at an ATM in Upper Marlboro was caught on the ATM’s camera system. This happened on June 17^th at about 2:10 pm outside a bank in the 1000 block of Largo Center Drive. The suspect approached the victim as he sat in his car using the ATM. The suspect pulled out a gun and demanded the victim’s property. The frightened victim complied. The suspect then ran away toward Arena Drive.

We’d like you to pay special attention to a smiley face tattoo the suspect has on his right arm. If you’ve seen him or have info on this robbery, please call our detectives at 301-772-4425 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. 

Bank Robbery Suspect

Our Robbery Unit is working to identify this suspect wanted in connection with a robbery at a Fort Washington bank. He targeted a bank in the 9400 block of Livingston Road shortly after 9:00 am on June 22^nd. The investigation reveals he walked up to a teller and demanded cash. He then ran away. Please call 301-772-4905 with information on this suspect’s identity or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Burglary Suspect

Please take a look at these surveillance photos. We’re looking for this man in connection with a burglary at an apartment complex rental office in the 1400 block of Southern Avenue in Oxon Hill. This burglary took place at about 11:30 pm on June 10^th.  Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call 301-749-5064 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Armed Robbery Suspects

Our Regional Investigation Division – Northern Region is working to identify these two suspects. The investigation reveals they used a credit card stolen during an armed robbery. That robbery occurred on June 14^th, around 7:00 pm, in the 700 block of Somerset Place. Three victims were outside and were approached by two suspects. One of the suspects had a gun. Please call 301-699-2601 with any information on their identities. You can also call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Tipsters will not have to give their name.

Same Suspect Targets Two Convenience Stores 

(1^st robbery)

Our Robbery Unit wants to find the suspect who targeted two convenience stores just minutes apart. He robbed the first store in the 4900 block of Edgewood Road at around 1:40 am on June 20^th.  About 10 minutes later, he robbed another store in the 8900 block of Rhode Island Avenue. No one was hurt in either robbery. Please call our detectives at 301-772-4905 with any information. A cash reward is being offered.

 (2^nd robbery)

PGPD Seeks Identity of Person of Interest in Child Sexual Assault Investigation

Detectives are asking for the community’s help in identifying this person of interest in connection with an investigation into the sexual assault of a child in Riverdale. 

Our investigation reveals a six-year-old girl was inappropriately touched inside a store in the 5700 block of Riverdale Road on June 12^th around 8:00 pm. The child’s parent was in the store, but not with the victim at the time.

The person of interest in the above photographs is described as a Hispanic man, 20-30 years old, 5’9’, 160-170 pounds and wore large black earrings.

After further investigation, it’s been determined the man whose photo was released last week in connection with this case is not connected to the assault and is not a suspect.

Anyone with information on this person of interest is asked to call our detectives at 301-699-2601 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

Detectives Arrest Suspect Who Sexually Assaulted Two Women in Two Hours

The Prince George's County Police Department this weekend arrested a suspect in connection with two separate sexual assaults within two hours. In the first case, the suspect and victim were acquaintances. In the second case, the suspect and victim did not know each other. The suspect is 22-year-old Al Louis Bell of the 3300 block of Tea Garden Circle in Silver Spring.

The first sexual assault occurred Friday night at about 8:20 pm in the 3800 block of St. Barnabas Road in Temple Hills. The investigation reveals Bell sexually assaulted an acquaintance inside an apartment building.

At about 10:10 pm, the investigation reveals Bell attacked a second woman, this time someone he didn't know. The woman had been walking alone in the 3900 block of Silver Hill Road in Temple Hills when Bell grabbed her and forced her to walk to a nearby vacant home on Cedar Drive. Once inside the home, Bell sexually assaulted the victim.

Through investigative means, detectives quickly linked the two cases and were able to identify Bell within hours. Officers arrested Bell Saturday morning at a relative's home in Alexandria, VA. Bell has confessed to his involvement in both cases. He's charged with two counts of first degree rape, first degree assault and other related offenses. He's currently in custody in Alexandria awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Sergeant Steven Gaughan

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan, June 21, 2005 during a traffic stop in Laurel.

Sergeant Gaughan was born on June 16, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the Prince George’s County Police Department on March 12, 1990. When he graduated from the academy, Sergeant Gaughan was assigned to the District III station. He was later transferred to the District VI station where he served as a patrol officer and as a member of the Special Assignment Team.

On the morning of June 21, 2005, members of the District VI Special Assignment Team attempted to stop a car on Laurel Bowie Road in Laurel. The car fled a short distance before stopping on South Laurel Drive. The passenger, who was armed with a loaded handgun, jumped out of the car and began running away. Sergeant Gaughan and members of his team chased after the suspect. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, wounding Sergeant Gaughan. He was flown by the United States Park Police Aviation Unit to Prince George’s Hospital Center, where sadly, he died a short time later. The suspect was arrested on the scene and later convicted of first degree murder.

Sergeant Gaughan served the Prince George's County Police Department for 15 years and was the 24th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 46th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan was 41 years old and survived by his wife and two young children.

Citizens Police Academy Graduation

Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw will congratulate the 32 graduates of our Citizens' Police Academy Session #36 at a ceremony this evening.

During the 12-week program, the citizens learned about how the Prince George's County Police Department operates. Representatives from nearly every division spoke with the class and took their questions.

 

Who:    Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw

             Prince George’s County Police Command Staff

             Citizens' Police Academy Session #36

When:  June 22, 2015

Time:    6:00 pm

Where:  Police Services Complex

              7600 Barlowe Road

              Palmer Park, MD

Members of the media are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact the Prince George's County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

Young Adult Citizens Police Academy Graduation

This evening, Prince George's County Police Chief Mark Magaw will congratulate the 26 graduates of our first ever Young Adult Citizens' Police Academy at a ceremony at Police Headquarters.

The young adults who ranged in age between 18-27 learned extensively about our department in recent weeks. Representatives from several divisions within the PGPD interacted with the class.

 Who:    Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw

              Prince George’s County Police Command Staff       

              Young Adult Citizens' Police Academy Session #1

 When:   June 22, 2015

 Time:    6:00 pm

 Where:  Police Services Complex

               7600 Barlowe Road

               Palmer Park, MD 

Members of the media are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact the Prince George's County Police Department’s Media Relations Division at 301-772-4710.

PGPD Searches for Missing Man

Update: Mr. Hines has been located. 

Jimmy D. Hines

The Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in searching for a missing man. He is identified as 77-year-old Jimmy D. Hines.

Hines was last seen in the 3400 block of Rickey Avenue in Temple Hills on June 18, 2015 at about 1:00 pm.

Hines is described as an African American male, 5’7” and 138 pounds, with brown eyes and grey hair. Hines was last seen wearing a Washington Redskins jacket and khaki pants.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Regional Investigation Division – Southern Region at 301-749-5064.

PGPD Arrests Suspects Who Targeted Victims on Craigslist Four Robberies Reported in Six Days

Update June 19, 2015:  News conference on arrests linked to Craigslist robberies

Many of us have turned to the popular classified ad website, Craigslist, to buy or sell an item and the transaction goes off without a hitch. But, in just six days earlier this month in our county, three victims reported being targeted after placing ads on Craigslist to sell their iPhones. In each case, the victim met up with someone claiming to be an interested buyer. Instead, suspects robbed the victims at gunpoint. A fourth victim, this time trying to buy a phone, was robbed after hooking up with a potential seller through the app “Offer Up”. No one was hurt in either case.

Alford Charles Wade

Detectives have made arrests in three of these robberies. One suspect is just 15 years old. A second suspect is 26-year-old Alford Charles Wade III. His last known address is the 11000 block of Saranac Station Road in Bowie. He robbed a man of his cellphone on Martin Luther King Junior Highway in Bowie on June 10, 2015.

Kemith Eugene Calvin

Detectives also arrested 17-year-old Kemith Eugene Calvin of the 11000 block of Lake Vista Lane in Mitchellville. He’s charged in connection with the armed robbery of a man trying to sell his cellphone on June 12, 2015, in the 800 block of Congressional Court in Bowie. He’s been charged as an adult.

In each of these four cases, the transactions took place in the daytime. All of the victims showed up by themselves.

Please take a moment to review these safety tips when using Craigslist and any other classified ad apps or websites:

*Never go alone to the transaction location. Always try to bring a second person with you.

*Only meet a potential buyer or seller in a public place.

*Trust your instincts. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

*Unless the item is too large to bring out of your home, never invite a buyer to your home.

Anyone with information on any of these cases is urged to call the Regional Investigative Division (Central) at (301) 772-4475. Callers can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tips” to CRIMES (274537) on your cell phone or go www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a CASH REWARD of up to $25,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment. 

PGPD to Hold Two-Day Pedestrian Safety Education Campaign

The Prince George’s County Police Department will partner with the District Heights Police Department today and tomorrow to hand out brochures with safety messages to both pedestrians and drivers. The goal is to educate drivers about yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and encourage pedestrians to obey control signals at crosswalks and to use them. Officers will share literature in English and in Spanish. We thank our friends at the Maryland Highway Safety Office for their partnership in keeping our citizens safe.

What:   Pedestrian Safety Education Enforcement

When:  Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19  

Time:    2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Where:  6400 block of Marlboro Pike

              District Heights, MD  

PGPD to Hold Child Car Seat Check in Bowie

The PGPD and the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union will hold a car seat check in Bowie. The event is free and open to the public.

Certified car seat technicians will ensure that car seats and boosters are properly installed. All car seats must be installed upon arrival. Appointments are not necessary. Each car seat check takes about 30 minutes. If possible, please bring the manufacturer’s manuals for the vehicle and car seat.

Who:       Prince George’s County Police Department

                Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union

When:     Saturday, June 20, 2015

Time:      9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:    Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union – Bowie Branch

                15201 Hall Road
                Bowie, MD  20721

PGPD Investigates Homicide in Forestville

The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating a homicide in Forestville. The victim is 22-year-old Eric Bernard Talbert Jr., of Juneau Court in District Heights. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case.

On June 13, 2015, at about 9:10 pm, patrol officers were called to the 7200 block of Donnell Place. When they arrived, they found Talbert outside suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives do not believe this was a random act. Investigators are working to identify the suspect(s) and motive in this case.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go towww.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

Son Charged With Domestic-Related Homicide in Clinton

Andre Picarriello

The Prince George's County Police Department's Homicide Unit has charged a Clinton man in connection with the murder of his father. The suspect is 27-year-old Andre Picarriello. The victim is 74-year-old Guillermo Picarriello. Both lived in the 5600 block of Fishermens Court. 

On June 13, 2015, at about 9:30 pm, patrol officers were called to the family's home for a stabbing. When they arrived, they found the victim suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives believe the suspect stabbed his father after the two got into an argument. The suspect then left the home. He was arrested this morning in Charles County on an unrelated charge. The Prince George's County Police Department has charged Andre Picarriello with first and second degree murder. He is currently in custody in Charles County.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Carlton Fletcher

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Carlton Fletcher, lost this day in 1983.

Officer Fletcher was born on April 11, 1951, in Prince George's County. He served with honor and distinction in the United States Air National Guard, reaching the rank of staff sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1975. Officer Fletcher joined the Prince George's County Police Department on July 18, 1976. Upon graduation from the academy, he was assigned to the Hyattsville district station. Four years later, he was transferred to the new Beltsville district station.

On the evening of June 11, 1983, Officer Fletcher was sitting in his marked police cruiser in the parking lot of a convenience store on Greenbelt Road in Lanham waiting to escort the store's manager on a night deposit as part of a secondary employment assignment. Without warning, two suspects approached and shot into his cruiser. Officer Fletcher was seriously wounded. Sadly, he died of his injuries the morning of June 12, 1983. After shooting our officer, the suspects also fatally shot the store’s manager. The two suspect were arrested and charged with both murders.

 

Officer Fletcher served the Prince George's County Police Department for seven years and was the 14th member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 23rd law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

 

At the time of his death, Officer Carlton Fletcher was 32 years old and survived by his expectant wife and young daughter.

PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Charles Caldwell

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Charles F. Caldwell, lost this day in 1948.
Officer Caldwell was born on January 12, 1912, in Washington, DC. He was raised in Mount Rainier and graduated from Mount Rainier High School. Officer Caldwell joined the Prince George's County Police Department on July 13, 1943, and was assigned to the Hyattsville district station.

On the evening of June 12, 1948, at about 6:00 pm, Officer Caldwell and his partner responded to a fight complaint on Nash Street in Fairmount Heights. When they arrived, Officer Caldwell arrested a female suspect for assault. As he escorted her to his cruiser, Officer Caldwell was attacked by her father. The father grabbed the officer's weapon and opened fire, hitting Officer Caldwell three times in the chest. His partner was shot in the arm and leg. Officer Caldwell was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Officer Caldwell served the Prince George's County Police Department for five years and was the second member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the fourth law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Officer Charles Caldwell was 36 years old and survived by his wife and two young sons.

PGPD Investigates Fatal Crash in Clinton

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal car crash in Clinton. The victim is 54-year-old Marvin Nathaniel Duckett of Morano Drive in Brandywine.

On June 11, 2015, shortly after 1:45 am, patrol officers were called to the 7400 block of Old Alexandria Ferry Road for the report of a crash involving one car. When officers arrived, they found Duckett suffering from critical injuries. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Preliminarily, it appears Duckett was heading southbound on Old Alexandria Ferry Road approaching Highland Meadows Drive when, for unknown reasons, his car left the roadway and struck a pole.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at(301) 731-4422. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

PGPD Charges Clyde Peterson in Connection with Officer-Involved Shooting; Charges Pending Against Second Suspect

Update June 11, 2015: The second suspect involved in Tuesday's officer-involved shooting has been identified and charged. He is 42-year-old Derrick Simmons of the 8900 block of Town Center Circle in Upper Marlboro. Simmons is charged with felony theft and handgun-related charges. He is currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

Derrick Simmons

Clyde Peterson

The Prince George’s County Police Department has charged one suspect in connection with an officer-involved shooting in Upper Marlboro. The suspect is identified as 44-year-old Clyde Peterson of the 14000 block Argos Place in Upper Marlboro. A second suspect remains in the hospital in police custody. Charges are pending.

On June 9, 2015, at about 10:45 am, patrol officers responded to the Marlboro Crossroads shopping center in the 5700 block of Crain Highway for the report of an officer-involved shooting.

The preliminary investigation reveals two members of the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (WAVE) Team, who are detectives with the Prince George’s County Police Department, were in the area this morning when they spotted a stolen Ford Mustang. The Baltimore Police Department had alerted our officers this morning that the car had been stolen from their jurisdiction. One detective approached the car that was occupied by both Peterson and the second suspect. A witness reported hearing the officer ordering a suspect not to touch the weapon. Fearing for his life and for those around them, the officer fired his service weapon, striking both suspects.

Preliminarily, investigators believe the suspects may have driven the stolen car to the shopping center with the intention of robbing a bank. In addition to their weapons, a pair of gloves was recovered in their car.

Peterson and the second suspect were taken to a hospital where Peterson was treated and released. Peterson is charged with felony theft and handgun related charges. He is currently at the Department of Corrections. The second suspect remains hospitalized and is listed in stable condition. Both suspects may face additional charges.

The involved officer is identified as Police Officer First Class David Gross, a four-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department. Gross had been employed with another area law enforcement agency for twelve years prior to joining our department. He is currently assigned to the Bureau of Investigation, Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (WAVE) Team. He is on routine, administrative leave.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at (301)772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com to submit a tip online.