Prince George's County Police Officer Charged With Misconduct

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County police say an officer is facing charges that he struck a teenager with his gun which then accidentally fired.

Police said Friday that the officer is also accused of lying about what happened so he could charge the teen. Police say the officer, Cpl. Donald Taylor, is facing misconduct, reckless endangerment and second-degree assault.

The Feb. 3 shooting occurred outside a Brentwood gas station. The incident prompted an internal investigation after video evidence didn't support initial accounts of what happened.

Assistant Prince George's Police Chief Kevin Davis told The Washington Post that Taylor has been assigned to desk duty and will have a hearing Monday to determine whether he will continue getting paid.

Robert C. Bonsib, Taylor's attorney, said his client plans to fight the charges.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)