PGPD Officer Injured during Police Involved Shooting in District Heights

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team (SIRT) is investigating a police involved shooting that occurred earlier today in District Heights, Maryland.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., officers were contacted by detectives from the Anne Arundel County Police Department regarding their investigation of a double homicide that occurred late last night near Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, Maryland. During the course of their investigation, Anne Arundel County Police detectives received information that a potential suspect in the homicide may be located at a residence in the 8100 block of Rydal Road.

Uniformed Prince George’s County patrol officers responded to the location and were awaiting the arrival of Anne Arundel County Police detectives when the suspect realized the police presence. The suspect then exited the residence holding a shotgun and an AK-47 style assault rifle, confronted the officers, and fired his shotgun at them, injuring one officer. Six Prince George’s County patrol officers returned fire at the suspect, striking him multiple times.

The suspect, identified as James Coleman, 22, of the 8100 block of Rydal Road, was pronounced dead on the scene. The injured officer, an 11 year veteran of the department, was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The six Prince George’s County patrol officers involved are all assigned to the Bureau of Patrol; they have all been placed on administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy. For more information, contact the Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.