Man Shot By Prince George's Deputy Was Holding Replica Handgun

RIVERDALE, Md. (AP) -- Authorities in Prince George's County say a man fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy was holding a replica handgun.

The man has been identified as Franklin H. Sweeney Jr. He was shot Wednesday night in Riverdale when a sheriff's deputy tried to serve a temporary peace order on him.

The sheriff's office says the deputy, Paul Perriello, had tried four times before to serve the court's order.

Authorities say a woman invited Perriello into the house, but Sweeney emerged from the back holding what appeared to be a black handgun. The gun was later determined to be a replica.

Perriello has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

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