PGPD Investigating After Lit Firework Thrown at Patrol Officer

The Prince George's County Police Department is investigating a serious incident during which a male threw a lit firework at a patrol officer as he sat in his marked cruiser. The incident was pre-planned and an accomplice recorded the incident on a cell phone. These events took place on Saturday evening near Walters Lane and Hil Mar Drive in Forestville. Thankfully, neither the officer nor any bystanders were hurt when the firework exploded next to the cruiser.

The officer was working a high visibility enforcement assignment to prevent crime at the time of the incident.

"Neither I nor our community will tolerate attacks on our officers of any kind. Fireworks are dangerous and this is far more than simple jackassery. Our officer or a bystander could have been seriously injured. We have identified a person of interest and are working to charge the individual responsible for throwing the firework,” said Chief Hank Stawinski.

As the nation prepares for the Fourth of July celebration, we remind all our residents that purchasing, selling and using fireworks is illegal in Prince George's County. If you wish to report the illegal use of fireworks, you can call the Fire/EMS Department Operations Center at 301-583-2200.