WASHINGTON — He was a son, a brother and a friend, and fallen Prince George County Police Officer Jacai Colson, 28, is also being remembered as a hero.
“He was presented with a situation he didn’t ask for and he reacted, he reacted to protect his fellow police officers and the community,” said John “Zeek” Teletchea, president of Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 89 in Prince George’s County.
It was Sunday night that Colson jumped into action after police say 22-year-old Michael Ford of Landover pulled out a gun and opened fire on police officers, an ambulance and passing cars outside the District III police station in Palmer Park.
Narcotics detective Colson died after he was struck by a bullet from a fellow officer’s gun, as six officers tried to stop the accused gunman.
As the ambush took place, Ford’s two brothers, 21-year-old Malik Ford and 18-year-old Elijah Ford, are accused of videotaping their brother’s attempt, according to police, to commit suicide by cop.
Teletchea says the community stands together in unity, and condemns the actions of the brothers who are all charged in the case.
“This is not acceptable and this is not tolerated,” Teletchea said.
The union president said the four-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department lit up every life he touched and saved lives on Sunday.
“We thank God that he was allowed into our lives, that he became part of our community and we are ever so grateful that his family has shared him with us,” Teletchea said.
Funeral arrangements for Colson have not been announced.
