Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team is investigating a police involved shooting in which officers from the Prince George’s County and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Police Departments shot a man who had fired on officers. 

        Today, at approximately 12:03 a.m., officers responded for the call of a man with a gun inside the Holiday Liquors Bar and Restaurant at 3173 Branch Avenue, Hillcrest Heights, MD.  When officers arrived, they located the suspect, Nicholas A. Howard, 26 years old, of the 1800 block of Q Street SE, inside the bar.  Officers had him step outside the bar and while attempting to pat him down for weapons, he pushed off from the officers and drew a black semi-automatic Hi-Point .40 caliber handgun.  He fired at the officers.  Officers returned fire, striking Mr. Howard in the mid-section.  Mr. Howard retreated inside the bar and officers put out a distress call and requested the County Police Department’s Conflict Management Team.

        Mr. Howard then fired at least one round inside the bar and took one woman hostage.  For the next 15 minutes, officers attempted to evacuate numerous patrons who were inside the bar.   After 15 minutes passed, Mr. Howard released the woman and came out the front door of the bar with the weapon in his hand where he fired again at police officers.  Officers returned fire, fatally wounding Mr. Howard. 

        Officers were then able to fully evacuate the bar and question witnesses.  No one else was injured during this incident.  Twelve Prince George’s County Police Officers and Two Maryland Park Police Officers have been placed on administrative leave as a result of this incident. 

        Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team at (301) 856-2660.