Officer Colson Accidentally Shot By Fellow Officer; 3 Brothers Charged

CHEVERLY, Md. (WJZ) -- A sad twist in the tragic killing of a Prince George's County police officer. He was shot during what the department is calling an ambush that was recorded by the suspects.

We now know that the fatal bullet came from a fellow officer.

Ava-joye Burnett has the latest on this tragedy.

A cruiser draped in black is a public sign the department is in mourning--a situation made even more tragic knowing the fatal bullet came from one of their own.

The chaos started Sunday. The suspects -- three brothers -- Michael, Elijah and Malik Ford.

Police say chilling images show Michael Ford shooting at two cars and an ambulance while another brother recorded it all. They then set their sights on the District III police station.

"You could hear the back and forth of the gunfire. It was just outrageous because it was in the middle of the day," said Tonya Francis.

When officer Jacai Colson pulled up, he had no idea he was stepping into a major gun fight.

"Seeing the danger presented by Michael -- the shooter -- he took action, and in doing so, demonstrated extreme heroism," said Chief Hank Stawinski, Prince George's County Police Department.

On Monday afternoon, the department announced that the bullet that took his life inadvertently came from one of his own comrades.

Officer Colson was a four-year veteran of the department. He grew up in Pennsylvania, where he was a star athlete in high school.

"He led this community, he led our team, obviously," coach Pedro Arruza said. "This is a sad day. God rest his soul."

Just 24-hours after Officer Jacai Colson's death, parents stood side by side with members of the law enforcement community, oftentimes getting hugs of comfort from other officers.

On Monday night, residents paid their respects to the fallen officer, who leaves behind his parents and a younger brother.

"Jacai could light up a room. He lit up everybody's life he touched," police said.

A total of four officers fired their weapons, but the department is not saying which one fired the fatal shot.

Police say all three brothers face second-degree murder charges and six counts of attempted first-degree murder, among other charges.