WASHINGTON — Three brothers have been indicted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Prince George’s County police officer and now face dozens of charges for the shootout outside a police station in March.
A grand jury returned the indictment Tuesday charging Michael, Malik and Elijah Ford in the attack that led to the death of Officer Jacai Colson.
The indictment charges Michael Ford with 55 counts in total including second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault and conspiracy to commit murder.
Michael Ford, 22, of Landover, is charged with the attempted murder of the officers who responded to the ambush and the motorists and ambulance who he shot at during the fray, said State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
His brothers are each charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. All of the brothers, if convicted, could face multiple life sentences in prison.
Colson was inadvertently killed by another officer’s gunfire as police responded to the unprovoked attack at the county’s District II police station in Landover.
Authorities have said Michael Ford opened fire on the police station in the hope of gaining notoriety. Police have also said that his brothers videotaped the attack and could have prevented it.
Ford’s brothers Malik, 21, and Elijah, 18, knew what their brother planned and they “participated.” They could all be held accountable for attempted murder, Alsobrooks said.
Alsobrooks said that the brothers “caused tremendous hurt” in the community and for the police department.
“Colson … came there to help and was killed,” she said. “We are going to continue to move forward with this case and attempt to bring some peace to the family of Officer Colson, as well as to the department and this community.
Basch reported from Upper Marlboro.
