Suspect Ambushes Officer Outside Police Station; Officer Fatally Wounded

Police Officer First Class Jacai Colson

The Prince George's County Police Department is grieving after one of our officers lost his life in the line of duty this afternoon. Four-year veteran Police Officer First Class Jacai Colson was assigned to our Narcotic Enforcement Division. The 28 year old detective was fatally wounded after exchanging gunfire with a suspect outside the District III station which is attached to our headquarters in Palmer Park. 

The preliminary investigation reveals a suspect opened fire outside the front doors of the station around 4:30 pm. POFC Colson returned fire. Colson was shot and died a short time later. The suspect was also struck. He is expected to survive and remains under police custody at an area hospital.  Charges are pending. A second suspect was taken in for questioning. Investigators are working to determine the motive in this case. 

Our department is eternally grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from our community, the law enforcement family and our elected leaders.