WASHINGTON — Michael Deandre Ford cycled the slide of his gun, and put an extra magazine full of .40 caliber bullets on his lap, after discussing with his brothers his plan for a shootout with police, according to charging documents.
The police document details the actions and interactions of Michael, Elijah, and Malik Ford before Michael allegedly opened fire outside the District III police station in Landover, Maryland, Sunday.
Undercover narcotics officer Jacai Colson was shot and killed during the exchange of fire between four police officers and Michael Ford. An autopsy determined Colson was inadvertently shot by a fellow officer.
Michael faces 25 charges, including second-degree murder, six counts of attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He remained hospitalized Wednesday from injuries he suffered during the firefight.
Police say Elijah and Malik Ford were present as Michael readied his Springfield Arms XP40 handgun and ammunition, before the brothers drove toward the police station.
With Malik Ford driving the red Honda Accord, Michael Ford sat in the back seat.
From the passenger seat, Elijah Ford recorded Michael Ford’s last will and testament during the drive.
All three men got out of the car, as Michael walked toward the wrong building. According to the police document, Elijah and Malik Ford pointed their brother toward the station, as they got back in the Honda.
Malik Ford drove to a side street perpendicular to the station, while he and Elijah Ford began recording smartphone video.
When Michael Ford opened fire, two rounds shattered the front glass door of the police station, before he started shooting at passing vehicles, according to police.
Officers from inside the station responded.
During the shooting, officers asked Malik and Elijah Ford where the shooter was — Malik Ford shouted back he didn’t know, even though Michael Ford “was clearly visible on the video recording being recorded hiding behind a police van,” according to police.
Colson drove up to the scene, got out of his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with Michael Ford, before he was shot.
With six family members standing by to testify to his character, 21-year-old Malik Ford fainted during his bond hearing. He and his brother Elijah Ford appeared in front of a judge over closed circuit TV charged for their involvement in their brother Michael’s plan.
The defendants father, Michael Thomas, pleaded with the judge for leniency.
The judge set a no bond status for both men.
Malik and Elijah Ford face six counts each of attempted first-degree murder, and other charges. A District Court commissioner previously found no probable cause for second-degree murder and handgun charges, although prosecutors may eventually try to indict them on the original charges.
WTOP’s Megan Cloherty contributed to this report from Upper Marlboro.
