A Prince George’s County police officer was released from jail on home confinement as he stands accused of attempted murder for allegedly trying to shoot his wife’s boyfriend.
Cpl. David Hardester shoved his wife into a wall, left their home in Mechanicsville and drove to Newburg to confront the man, according to Charles County court documents. He was furious his wife was having an affair, authorities believe.
The man told police he knew Hardester was coming and “expected it would be a fistfight and they would just get it over with as men.”
Court documents say Hardester fired his service weapon as the man had his back turned. The officer later told police it was an accident.
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The man told investigators he ran away, got in his vehicle, started following Hardester and called police.
Officers responded to Crain Highway in Newburg at about 1:30 a.m. Friday.
The man was not struck by the gunfire, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said.
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Hardester faces numerous charges, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment.
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Hardester, who joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in 2005, is suspended without pay, the department said and refused to comment further.
Court records show Hardester was released from jail Monday morning to home confinement. He’s due to appear in court on March 22 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted of attempted murder, he could face life in prison.
