Candlelight Vigil to Mark Sunday Attack on Police Station

LANDOVER, MD — A candlelight vigil is planned this Sunday, one week after the attack that killed a Prince George's County Police officer.

Community members are invited to join the police family for a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence in honor of fallen Officer First Class Jacai Colson.

"We will stand side by side to honor both Jacai's life and service and the bravery and dedication of our five other police officers so deeply affected that tragic day," the department said.

Meet in the District III parking lot on Barlowe Road in Landover at 4:15 pm. At 4:30, the moment the attack on the police station began, there will be a moment of silence.

Colson was deliberately fired by a fellow police officer during the melee of a gun battle reportedly started by a Landover man, authorities said.

The suspect who reportedly fired on Prince George's County Police in an effort to commit "suicide by cop" was charged Wednesday with second-degree murder in the death of an officer during the melee.

Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said at a Wednesday press conference that the shot that killed Colson was not an errant shot fired by another police officer. The chief wouldn’t elaborate on whether fellow police officers mistook Colson for the shooter since he arrived at the scene in plain clothes and an unmarked squad car.

“It’s another tragic dimension to this unfolding story," Stawinski said. "This department is grieving for this loss, this senseless act that has taken the life of a defender of this community.”

In charging documents released Wednesday, authorities say his two younger brothers pointed the gunman to the police station entrance and later hid his location from officers looking for the shooter.

Michael DeAndre Ford, 22, of Landover has been 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 additional charges. He is still at the hospital and currently in a no-bond status, authorities said Wednesday.

Ford's brothers -- Malik Ford, 21, of Fort Washington and Elijah Ford, 18, of Landover – reportedly knew Michael’s plan to ambush the police station.

Four officers fired their duty weapons while trying to stop the shooter. Two additional officers responded, but did not fire their weapons, police said. The involved officers 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 POFC Jacai Colson, Narcotic Enforcement Division.

SEE ALSO:

Funeral Services Set for Officer Jacai Colson

Officer's Death: Murder Charge Thrown Out Against 2 Brothers

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The viewing and memorial service for Colson, will be held in Beltsville and Upper Marboro, while the burial will be in his native Pennsylvania. The Colson family said late Friday that family and friends are welcome at the viewing, funeral service and the graveside internment.

Viewing will be held March 24 at Borgwardt Funeral Home in Beltsville, then March 25 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, where the funeral service will be held. He will be buried in Pennsylvania.

Residents were urged to post messages in memory of Colson on the police department's Facebook page.