Police ID Md. Officer Who Fatally Shot Man

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.

Owen has been with the police department for two years. He has been placed on routine administrative leave.

Police spokesman Cpl. Henry Tippett says the shooting is the 15th involving county officers in 2011.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)