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Slain MD Cop Was Mistakenly Shot By Fellow Officer

Screen shot/NBC Washington/Prince George's County Police Department

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Steve Birr Vice Reporter
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A Prince George’s County police officer mistakenly fired the shot that killed fellow Officer Jacai Colson Sunday in a shootout outside a police station in Landover, Md.

The unidentified officer involved in the chaotic shootout misidentified Colson, who was wearing plainclothes, and fired on him, Police Chief Hank Stawinski said Wednesday at a press conference. Stawinski did not elaborate on the circumstances, saying the officer “was shooting at a target he perceived to be a threat,” reports NBC Washington.

“The shot that struck and killed Detective Colson was deliberately aimed at him by another police officer,” Stawinski said at the press conference. The chief described the scene of the shooting as “chaotic.”

Stawinski did stress there was no evidence of malice involved in the shooting, saying the officer did not realize he was shooting a fellow cop. The chief reached his conclusion after interviewing multiple sources during the investigation, reports WJLA.

Colson, 28, an undercover narcotics detective lost his life after Michael DeAndre Ford, 22, open fired on the police station while his two brothers, Elijah, 18, and Malik Ford, 21, filmed the shootout nearby. Authorities say Michael, who has a history of mental illness, intended to die in the shootout, while police believe Malik and Elijah were aware of his plans from the beginning.

Officer Colson engaged the shooter in a firefight, which drew three other officers. Colson was subsequently shot and succumbed to his wounds at a hospital Sunday. Meanwhile, doctors quickly stabilized Michael Ford after he suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Authorities charged the shooter Wednesday with second degree murder. He also faces 25 other counts including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, reports CBS News.

A judge found insufficient evidence to charge Elijah and Malik Ford with second degree murder or handgun charges Tuesday. Both brothers still face charges of attempted first degree murder. The police cannot yet explain the “frightening” actions of the Ford brothers.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Stawinski said Tuesday.

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