Police officers from various departments around the region gathered to pay their respects Thursday to a Maryland officer killed in a shootout at a police station.
Prince George's County Detective Jacai Colson was killed March 13 by one of his fellow officers after a man began firing at a police station in Landover. A wounded suspect, 22-year-old Michael Ford, was arrested and faces more than two dozen charges including second-degree murder. He was trying to commit suicide by police officer, police said. His two brothers also are in custody facing several charges.
After Colson’s death, the community responded with flowers, food and thanks for Colson’s contributions.
“The support we’ve been given, we can’t speak enough about it since the incident has occurred,” said Colson’s father, James Colson.
Police and community members lined up at 2 p.m. Thursday at Borgwardt Funeral Home in Beltsville for a viewing for the 28-year-old Colson, a four-year veteran of the department.
Colson’s family stood outside the viewing and talked about his devotion to his work and his tragic loss.
“That’s a hero inside there, and that’s what we’re proud of,” James Colson said. “He was an outstanding young man and an excellent role model for a lot of youths coming up.”
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Lt. James Dyson, Colson’s former supervisor, said he can’t help but celebrate his friend.
“It’s been a sad week for us, but one thing I can tell you is this week has caused a lot of us to smile when we thought about him,” Dyson said.
Another viewing will be held Friday morning at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, followed by a funeral service. Thursday's viewing and Friday's funeral are open to the public.
