Officer's Death: Police 'Deliberately Aimed' at Slain Detective, Says Chief

Updated at 3:10 p.m.

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LANDOVER, MD — The fatal bullet that struck Detective Jacai 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 press conference that the shot that killed Detective Jacai 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.”

State’s Attorney Sharon Alsobrooks said authorities can’t yet say why the officer was targeted. Investigators are still talking to all the officers who were engaged in the gun battle with Michael Ford.

She said Colson’s family and the community are owed answers.

“The family of Jacai Colson has been a paragon of strength,” Stawinski added. “Their support of this police department has been stunning and is deeply appreciated.”

Details on Gun Battle

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 is accused of shooting at police Sunday, sparking a gunfight in which Officer Jacai Colson, 28, died, likely from a bullet fired by a fellow law officer. 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.

The statement of probable cause for Michael Ford says Malik Ford drove to the police station and Elijah recorded Michael’s last will and testament en route. As Michael walked toward the wrong building, Elijah and Malik pointed him toward the station and got back in their car.

Malik drove to a nearby side street where the pair began recording smartphone video as Michael opened fire, shooting out the front glass door of the police station. He then shot at passing vehicles, according to police.

Officers from inside the station responded and asked Malik and Elijah Ford where the shooter was, police say. Malik said he didn’t know, even though Michael “was clearly visible on the video recording being recorded hiding behind a police van,” according to charging documents.

At this point Colson drove up to the station, got out of his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with Michael Ford, before being shot, reports WTOP.

Authorities say the younger brothers didn’t alert anyone to the coming onslaught, and instead recorded the gun battle that ended the promising life of the four-year veteran of the police department.

The most serious charge of second-degree murder against Malik and Elijah Ford -- accused of doing nothing to stop their brother from starting a gunfight that led to a police officer’s death -- were thrown out of court Tuesday.

A Prince George's County District Court Commissioner found no probable cause for second-degree murder and some of the handgun charges against Malik and Elijah Ford, reports WJLA. The state’s attorney may take the case to a grand jury and seek indictment on all charges.

The duo were ordered held without bond pending a bond review hearing on Wednesday.

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An emotional Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski denounced the brothers of the suspect for failing to warn passers-by or stop their brother.

“They witnessed him shoot at cars, shoot at ambulance, shoot at Prince George's County police officers. They were engaged, they were concerned for their own safety, but not the safety of the officers and the public,” Stawinski said Monday.

When asked if Colson was he mistaken for the shooting suspect, Stawinski said he doesn’t know yet. Investigators are still interviewing the officers who were involved in the gunfight.

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.

The police officers didn’t shoot randomly or panic, they were aware of the residences behind their target and cars passing by as suspect Michael Ford of Landover fired at them, the police chief said. The officers involved were looking for the threat.

Colson died Sunday in what is described by authorities as an ambush by Ford, who was then shot by police officers as they charged out of the District III police station in Landover to subdue the gunman.

Stawinski said the officers who ran out of the District III station were being fired upon, while Colson was arriving in an unmarked vehicle in the middle of the gunfight. The fallen officer “heroically” stepped out of his car to draw gunfire, which let the other officers gain a better tactical advantage over the shooter and then render first aid.

Colson was dressed in civilian clothes and was not in body armor. “He is not prepared for a firefight,” the chief said.

While Michael reportedly had a history of mental health issues, Stawinski is more troubled by the fact that he shot at passing cars, and his brothers did nothing to stop him.

When asked why two brothers would want to record the death of their own brother, Stawinski replied, “It makes no sense. … I’m not certain at the end of this investigation that we’ll be able to explain why.”

Anyone who saw the shooting is asked to call police at 866-411-TIPS.

Funeral arrangements for Colson will be made public when they are finalized. He is survived by his parents, James and Sheila Colson, and a younger brother, Jurea. He grew up in Boothwyn, PA.

The mother of the alleged gunman suffered a heart attack after learning of her son's alleged involvement, family Pastor Danny McCimmon told WUSA. McCimmon said Michael Ford was struggling, but he had no idea how bad.