Police Chief Says Ofc. Jacai Colson's Death Was Result Of Mistaken Identity

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — A Maryland police chief says a police officer deliberately shot and killed another officer during a chaotic gunfight outside a police station in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said Wednesday that the officer did not realize he was firing at another police officer. The officer who was killed, Jacai Colson, was a narcotics detective and was wearing street clothes at the time. Stawinski says the officer thought Colson was an armed threat and feared for his life.

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Police have not identified the officer who shot Colson.

The armed man who police say shot at the officers on Sunday afternoon, 22-year-old Michael Ford, faces more than two dozen charges including first-degree murder. He was shot by police and remains hospitalized. Police say his intent in firing at the officers was for them to return fire and kill him.

Police say Ford's two younger brothers aided him in the attack. They were ordered held without bond on Wednesday.