Women Drove to Census Bureau to Elude Kidnapper: Prosecutors

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Authorities say a woman tried to help another woman flee a kidnapper April 9 by driving to the U.S. Census Bureau headquarters in Prince George’s County because she knew the federal agency has armed guards.

The flight from suspect Ronald Anderson, 48, ended in the fatal shooting of a guard, Lawrence Buckner, 59, at Prince George’s Hospital Center.

SEE ALSO: UPDATE: Census Guard Dies from Gunshot Wound; Tied to DC Police Chase of Kidnapper

Officials on Friday released a full timeline of the chase across the Washington, D.C., region by police in pursuit of Anderson, who was shot by police. The details were part of the court record as Anderson, of Suitland, was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with kidnapping, murder, using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing death by use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

If convicted, Anderson faces a maximum sentence of death or life in prison. An initial appearance has not been scheduled. Anderson continues to undergo medical treatment and remains detained on related charges filed in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.

The deadly string of events began, prosecutors allege, when Anderson abducted a woman at gunpoint from the 1800 block of 3rd Street, NE, in Washington, D.C., and drove her to his apartment complex in Suitland. Another woman met them at the apartment complex and fled with the first victim when Anderson got out of his car. Anderson then pursued the women, who drove to the U.S. Census Bureau building because one of them knew there were armed security officers there.

As the women drove into the Census Bureau complex, Anderson continued to pursue them. The women’s Honda CRV crashed into a light pole near two armed security officers, including Buckner. Anderson stopped his vehicle behind the SUV and exchanged gunfire with Buckner, striking him once in the chest. Anderson also fired at the second officer, but did not hit him.

Buckner had worked for Master Security in Hunt Valley for 15 years, NBC reports, and was stationed at the Census Bureau for about five years.

Authorities say Anderson then fled from the Census Bureau in his Honda Accord, and shot at Metropolitan Police Department officers when they tried to stop his car. Anderson and MPD officers exchanged gunfire, with police shooting Anderson multiple times. One Metropolitan Police officer was struck in the leg.

Census Director John Thompson in a statement thanked Buckner for protecting workers and said prayers are extended to the slain guard’s family.

SEE ALSO:

• Brave 13-Year-Old Rescues Sister from Burning House
• Police Search for ‘Despicable’ Thief Who Stole 4-Year-Old’s Wheelchair
• Child Porn Task Force Arrests PG County Man