Prince George's County Police Officer Indicted by Grand Jury

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A Prince George's County police officer has been indicted by a grand jury after he reportedly struck a suspect with his patrol vehicle during a chase back in June.

Police Officer Juan Hernandez now faces charges of second degree assault and misconduct in office in connection with an on-duty incident on June 13, which resulted in the suspension of his police powers on the same day, according to a report from the Prince George's County Police Department.

The report doesn't describe what Hernandez is accused of, but multiple new reports indicate that Hernandez, who has spent 11 years with the PGPD, allegedly struck a suspect with his police cruiser when he ran down a side street into an open field. The initial call indicated the suspect was armed, but police did not find a weapon on him. The suspect didn't need medical attention.

“The Prince George’s County Police Department presented this case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges. I expect our officers to serve this community in a professional manner at all times. Our department is committed to constitutional and ethical policing,” Chief Hank Stawinski said in the statement.

Image via PGPD