Officer Fires at Suspect Who Tried to Run Down Police: Reports

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A Prince George’s County Police officer fired his service weapon at a suspect who fled police during a traffic stop, and then tried run down officers, according to officials.

The suspect -- Anthony Ernest Skinner, 33, of the 700 block of Barnes Street in Northeast Washington -- is charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of assault on two police officers.

Patrol officers tried to stop Skinner’s car about 10:45 p.m. Monday in the 5900 block of Seat Pleasant Drive in Capitol Heights. As the officers approached the car, Skinner allegedly sped off. His car was soon found in a cul-de-sac in the 7000 block of 71st Court.

Police say that as officers approached the car on foot and ordered Skinner to shut off his vehicle he instead accelerated toward the officers. One of the officers fired his weapon, striking the car. Skinner was not struck, and then sped off.

A short time later, police found Skinner in the 5500 block of Winston Street in Marlowe Heights. His vehicle clipped a patrol car, struck a tree and he was taken into custody.

Skinner was treated for minor injuries and released. There were no injuries to officers during the incident, police say.

Authorities have not released the name of the officer who shot at Skinner, but say he is a three-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, assigned to the Bureau of Patrol. He is on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

»PHOTO of Anthony Skinner, courtesy of PGPD

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