PGPD Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting

Update August 16, 2015:  The involved officer is Officer Brian Bell who is assigned to our Bureau of Patrol. He is on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigation into the decedent reveals he was suffering from mental health issues. A family member told investigators the decedent had recently expressed suicidal thoughts. 

Update August 15, 2015: The suspect died at the hospital this morning. He is identified as 30-year-old Asshams Pharoah Manley of the 3400 block of Princes Grace Court in Forestville. Tests conducted at the hospital revealed the decedent had opiates and marijuana in his system. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to our call investigators at 301-856-2660

The Prince George's County Police Department's Special Investigation Response Team (SIRT) is investigating the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting on Friday night on Walker Mill Road. The officer's weapon was discharged while the officer was in a struggle over his handgun with a suspect.

At about 11:20 pm, an officer on patrol near Brooks Drive and Marlboro Pike heard a car crash and went to investigate. He saw the suspect running from the crash scene. The officer followed the suspect in his cruiser. One block away, at Walker Mill Road, the officer caught up with the suspect. Preliminarily, the investigation reveals there was a struggle over the officer's gun. The suspect was shot during the struggle.

Despite being shot, the suspect continued to fight with the officer. A second officer arrived on the scene and deployed his Taser. A third officer then arrived and was finally able to restrain the suspect. The suspect was then taken to the hospital in critical condition. Tests will be conducted to determine if the suspect may have been under the influence of an illegal substance.

None of our officers was hurt. The involved patrol officer is a two-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department.  He is on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call SIRT investigators at 301-856-2660.