
WASHINGTON (AP) — Prince George’s County police have identified a police officer who fatally shot a 35-year-old man in Palmer Park over the weekend.
Authorities say Michael Owen Jr. was leaving a Toys for Tots event at police headquarters Saturday night when he saw a man lying in a grassy area on the side of Greenleaf Road. Police say Owen, who was in uniform, stopped to help the man and the man pointed a gun at him. Authorities say Owen shot the man, Rodney Edwards of Landover, several times. Edwards was taken to a hospital, where he died.
READ MORE: Maryland High School Evacuated After Student Sets Off FireworkOwen has been with the police department for two years. He has been placed on routine administrative leave.
READ MORE: Maryland Weather: Muggy With Storms Likely Later OnPolice spokesman Cpl. Henry Tippett says the shooting is the 15th involving county officers in 2011.
MORE NEWS: 29-Year-Old Wounded In Northeast Baltimore Shooting, Police Say(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)