Grieving Police Honor Slain Officer's 29th Birthday

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LANDOVER, MD — Thursday should have been a day of celebration for Jacai Colson and his family. The talented Prince George’s County Police Officer who friend said lit up a room would have turned 29 today.

Instead, Colson’s parents and colleagues are planning his funeral.

Colson died in a weekend shooting outside the District III police station in Landover. His death is made worse by the knowledge that he was shot by a fellow police officer during a gun battle authorities say was started by a man who wanted to commit “suicide by cop.”

SEE ALSO:

• Officer's Death: Police 'Deliberately Aimed' at Slain Detective, Says Chief
• Officer's Death: Murder Charge Thrown Out Against 2 Brothers
• Governor Orders Flags Lowered, County Executive Notes 'Sad Loss'
• Police Bullet Likely Killed Officer During Gunfight; Three Brothers Charged
• UPDATE Maryland Police Officer Killed in Ambush; Two Brothers in Custody

The police department said its members “continue to grieve and struggle to cope with our unfathomable loss and tragic set of circumstances.”

Funeral service information has not yet been released for Colson.

Residents were urged to post messages in memory of Colson on its Facebook page.

“We know Jacai's family and friends, his PGPD brothers and sisters, law enforcement as a whole and our Prince George's County community would appreciate your kind gesture,” the agency said.

Here’s a sample of what residents are sharing:

Keisha Davis posted: “Heaven needed you most Sir! Your service here in our communities and on this earth is now done. We thank you for every day you gave your life for our safety, our sanity and our enjoyment in PG County. Your service to the community will be missed - rest knowing that your life is now a legacy that we all must carry on. …Have A Happy Heavenly Birthday and cover your family with peace, love and understanding.”

Christine Chestnutt said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Colson's family as well as his coworkers. I cannot imagine the devastation of the officer who fired that fatal shot. May he find peace in knowing it was an unfortunate accident. God bless Officer Colson's family, the family of the other officer and the entire PGCP Department.”

Donna Hayes- Wester wrote: “Thank you to Jacai's parents for raising such a fine young man. As tragic as his death is, I know you are proud of him.”

And JD Simms says: “Happy birthday.. May you rest in peace.”

»Photo of Officer Jacai Colson, and squad car at police station, courtesy of Prince George's County Police Department