Handcuffed Man Shot Multiple Times, Dies After Struggle With Maryland Police Officer

A handcuffed man was shot multiple times and killed by a police officer Monday after a struggle in the back of a police cruiser in Temple Hills, Maryland.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m after Prince George’s County police were called about a driver who had struck multiple cars. Officers tracked down the driver, who was allegedly under the influence while driving.

Investigators suspect the man was high on PCP based on the smell coming from his car.

Responding officers quickly reportedly pulled the car over and took the man into custody, handcuffing and placing him the front seat of one of the police cruisers. Another officer got in the driver’s seat with the suspect before sounds were reportedly heard from the car. Witnesses told investigators they saw the officer struggling with the suspect in the front seat before several loud bangs were heard from the cruiser.

Department spokeswoman Christina Cotterman said the suspect was shot multiple times by the officer’s duty weapon. Officers performed duties to save the man’s life before he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Investigators said the shooting was not caught on the officer’s body camera and they were checking surveillance footage from the surrounding area. The identities of the officer and the man involved have not been released as the shooting remains under investigation.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave for the shooting.