No Charges for Officer Who Fatally Shot Colleague as Gunman Attacked Station

The Prince George's County police officer who fatally shot a fellow officer as a gunman attacked a police station will not face charges, prosecutors announced Friday.

After seven weeks of deliberation, a grand jury declined to return an indictment for Officer Taylor Krauss, State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said during a news conference.

A bullet from Krauss' gun struck and killed Officer Jacai Colson, 28, during a firefight between officers and Michael Ford on March 13. 

Police say Ford opened fire outside the police station after he told his brother he wanted to attack police. 

Colson, who was dressed in plainclothes, tried to neutralize the shooter and was shot when Krauss did not recognize him. Alsobrooks said Krauss and Colson did not know each other personally, but had some training together.

Colson's family is "disappointed" the officer will not be charged, Alsobrooks said.

"I think what they want is for people to be held accountable," she said.

Police Chief Hank Stawinski has said Ford and his brothers put Krauss and other officers in a bad situation. 

Ford has been indicted on 55 counts, including second-degree murder. His brothers, Elijah and Malik Ford, also were indicted on multiple counts, including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They are accused of sitting in a car and recording the attack on cellphones.

Alsobrooks says the case against the brothers will proceed. 

“This is excruciating. There is no happy ending in this no matter what," Alsobrooks said. 

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