Off-Duty Cop Killed After Neighbor Came To Him During Domestic Incident
BRANDYWINE, Md. (WJZ/AP) -- An off-duty Prince George's County Police officer was shot and killed Wednesday morning while trying to protect a neighbor who came to him for help with a domestic situation in Brandywine, investigators say.
The suspect accused of shooting the officer, identified as 37 year old Glenn Tyndell, was also shot and killed. Police say Tyndell had three open warrants for assault.
The officer has been identified as Cpl. Mujahid A. Ramzziddin, a 14-year veteran and former United States Marine. He was a father of four.
Police say the incident began just after 10:15 a.m., when the woman went to Ramzziddin's home for help.
Ramzziddin went to help the woman, and police say he was confronted by a man armed with a shotgun.
"He stood his ground to defend the life of the individual who had come to him for help," said Prince George's Co. Police Chief Henry P. Stawinski III.
Detectives say Ramzziddin was able to issue a signal 13 on his radio before he died.
Sources say that the woman called police and said her husband had shot a police officer. When more police responded, she gave them a vehicle description, which reportedly led to a police chase into Charles County.
Police from that jurisdiction say their officers kept him from fleeing into the woods.
Tyndell was eventually shot and killed by officers. Chief Stawinski said there were two officers involved in the confrontation with the suspect.
Chief Stawinski said officers obtain video of Tyndell shooting at officers.
A neighbor who lived three doors down from the suspect told WJZ's Rick Ritter that she was not surprised to hear about what happened because there was a history of domestic incidences in the home.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan released the following statement on the death of Ramzziddin:
"The murder of Prince George's County police officer Corporal Mujahid Ramzziddin in the line of duty today is an unspeakable tragedy. The First Lady and I are praying for his family, loved ones, and the department during this difficult time. Corporal Ramzziddin was a military veteran and a distinguished law enforcement officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his neighbors and community. His memory and service will never be forgotten.
"I have extended my full support to County Executive Rushern Baker, Police Chief Hank Stawinski, and all of the dedicated men and women of the Prince George's County Police Department as they mourn their fallen fellow officer. The state is standing by to offer any assistance needed to Prince George's County as they investigate this terrible and senseless crime."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is conducting its own investigation, but Stawinski said he has reason to believe that those domestic incidents should have barred the suspect from legally owning a firearm.
Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker said his sadness over Ramzziddin's death is mixed with pride for his willingness to help a member of the community.
Tyndell's ex-wife and current wife reportedly sought protection because of his violent behavior.
The suspect also removed Ramzziddin's weapon, according to police.
Ramzzidin's body was escorted to the medical examiner's office in Baltimore Wednesady. His body is now back in Prince George's County.
Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook
