Prince George's County, Maryland police officials announced that the officer who was killed during an ambush at a police station Sunday was hit by friendly fire.
Police Chief Henry Stawinski said at a 5 p.m. press conference that an autopsy revealed that Officer Jacai Colson was inadvertently shot by a fellow responding officer during the gun battle outside the District III police station in Landover.
The suspects were officially identified by police for the first time as 21-year-old Malik Ford, 18-year-old Elijah Ford and 22-year-old Michael Ford. The third brother was listed as the shooter and remains hospitalized with no-life-threatening injuries.
The three brothers will be charged with second degree murder, six counts of attempted first degree murder and nine counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a felony as well as additional charges.
Investigators believe that the eldest brother intended to die at the hands of police. Stawinski said that police have obtained cell phone video that captures Machael Ford dictate his last will and testament just minutes before his brothers drove him to the station.
Once at the station, officials said the 22-year-old opened fire at responding officers, the police station, a passing ambulance and other vehicles. The violence that unfolded was captured on cell phone and surveillance video and will be used as evidence in the case.
The 28-year-old officer -- a four-year veteran of the department assigned to our Narcotic Enforcement Division -- was on his way to the police station to meet another officer and arrived right after Michael Ford began his shooting spree.
At that time, Colson left his unmarked cruiser and began exchanging gunfire with the shooter. A total of four officers discharged their duty weapons while trying to stop the gunman. Two additional officers also responded, but did not fire their weapons.
Following the ambush, Malik and Elijah Ford fled the scene, with Malik turning himself in to police at a nearby fast food restaurant shortly after the shooting spree.
Elijah was taken into custody at his home in Landover shortly after his brother.
Colson is survived by his parents, James and Sheila Colson, and a younger brother, Jurea.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
