PG County Police Officer Suspended: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD -- A Prince George's County police officer has been suspended over allegations that he took bribes to overlook traffic violations.

Police say two citizens claim that the officer, who was not identified, demanded payment to overlook motor vehicle violations during two separate traffic stops, according to a report from the Prince George's County Police Department.

"One resident came forward to police Friday alleging that he paid the officer in question cash during a traffic stop at the officer’s demand in lieu of receiving a citation," the report states. "Chief Stawinski immediately launched an internal affairs investigation. In the early hours of the investigation, a second citizen came forward who alleged the same officer also demanded payment for leniency during a similar traffic stop."

Police suspended the officer's police powers Friday evening as detectives investigated. Police ask that anyone else who has had a similar encounter to contact them.

Image via PGPD