Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team is investigating a police involved shooting that occurred yesterday in College Park, Maryland. 

On October 18, 2009, at approximately 2:55 p.m., officers responded to a 7-11 convenience store located in the 8600 block of Baltimore Avenue for a robbery in progress.  Once officers arrived on the scene, they observed the suspect inside of the establishment holding a knife.  While officers were preparing for a barricade situation, the shirtless suspect locked himself inside of the 7-11.  Without warning, the suspect suddenly came out of the 7-11 with a knife raised over his head and charged at the canine officer.  The canine, Riki, was deployed and was able to seize the suspect by one arm; however, the suspect continued to lunge toward the canine officer with the knife.  Other officers on the scene discharged their departmental weapons striking the suspect.  He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

As a result of this incident, Six Prince George’s County Police Officers who discharged their firearms have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy.  Five of those officers are assigned to the Bureau of Patrol; one is assigned to the Bureau of Administration.  The suspect will be identified after next of kin have been notified.

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.