3 brothers connected to shooting of officer in custody; shot video of ambush on police
PALMER PARK, Md. - Police in Prince George's County, Md. say three brothers are in custody in connection to an ambush shooting that led to the death of an officer outside a police station Sunday afternoon. Officer Jacai Colson was inadvertently hit by gunfire from a fellow officer during the shooting, as police tried to stop the gunman.
New information released Monday by the Prince George's County Police Department indicates the gunman, who has been identified as 22-year-old Michael Ford, intended to die in a gun battle with police.
His brothers, 21-year-old Malik Ford and 18-year-old Elijah Ford, are also in custody. Police say they sat in a car, recording the entire incident on their cell phones. Investigators now have that video and say it's evidence in the case.
Here's an updated timeline of events that led to Officer Colson's shooting, according to Prince George's County police detectives:
- Prince George's County police say they have cell phone video that captured the gunman dictating his last will and testament, and that the video was recorded just minutes before his two brothers drove him to the District III station.
- Once at the station, police say Michael Ford opened fire on the police station, shooting at responding officers, at the building, as well as at a passing ambulance and two other vehicles. Police released photos of those vehicles on Monday afternoon.
- Officer Colson, who was on his day off, was on his way to the police station to meet another officer. He arrived right after Michael Ford began shooting.
- Colson left his unmarked cruiser and began exchanging gunfire with the shooter.
- A total of four officers discharged their weapons while trying to stop Michael Ford. Two other officers who responded did not fire their weapons.
- It is believed, based on an autopsy Monday, that Officer Colson was inadvertently shot by a fellow responding officer during the gun battle.
- Malik and Elijah Ford fled the scene. The driver, Malik, turned himself in to police at a nearby fast food restaurant shortly after the shooting spree. Elijah was taken into custody at his home in Landover shortly after his brother.Malik and Elijah Ford fled the scene. The driver, Malik, turned himself in to police at a nearby fast food restaurant shortly after the shooting spree. Elijah was taken into custody at his home in Landover shortly after his brother.
Officer Colson died as a result of injuriesColson died as a result of injuries he sustained. He was rushed to the hospital by fellow officers after he was hit by gunfire, but he did not survive.
All three suspects will be charged with second-degree murder, six counts of attempted first-degree murder, nine counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a felony, and other additional charges.
The other officers who returned fire in the incident along with Colson are:
PO Bryan Melius, Regional Investigation Division
Cpl Jason Wells, Bureau of Patrol, District III
POFC Taylor Krauss, Bureau of Patrol, District III
Cpl John Wynkoop, Bureau of Patrol, District III
PO Matthew Scott, Bureau of Patrol, District III
Funeral arrangements for Officer Colson will be shared with the community once they are finalized. He is survived by his parents, James and Sheila Colson-- who bravely stood alongside police for Monday afternoon. He also had a younger brother, Jurea. Officer Colson grew up in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania.
After an emotional scene outside Prince George's Hospital Center on Sunday night, officers were continuing to gather outside the District III station on Monday.
The death of Officer Colson came just two weeks after Prince William County rookie officer Ashley Guindon was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence callGuindon was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. Two of her colleagues were also injured in the shooting and continue to recover.
MORE COVERAGE FROM FOX 5 DC:
Police: Officer was killed by friendly fire during ambush outside police station
3 brothers connected to shooting in custody, cell phone video taken during ambush
OFFICER KILLED: Prince George's County police officer killed in ambush-style attack