Chief: Investigation Led Police To Search Wrong Address

Prince George's County police are halting the execution of search warrants after an investigation led police to obtain a search warrant on an incorrect address, and two officers were injured when the resident attempted to fend off who he thought were home invaders.

A Special Operations unit was executing a drug search warrant at an apartment building on Lorring Drive in District Heights Wednesday, police say, when the shooting happened.

The tactical team knocked on the door in question, then opened the door after no response, police say. At that time, a person inside the apartment fired a shotgun, hitting two officers. Once the man realized he had fired at police, Chief Hank Stawinski said, he dropped his weapon and immediately surrendered.

"I am convinced he did not intentionally fire that weapon at police officers because they were police officers," Stawinski said. "I believe he fired that weapon because he thought he was defending himself and his daughter."

One of the officers was hit in the hand and the other in the shoulder, police say. An officer fired back at the man, but did not strike him. One of the officers was treated and released from Shock Trauma in Baltimore, while the other was undergoing surgery Thursday afternoon.

After consultation with State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, Stawinski said the man will not face charges.

The search warrant was obtained based on information from a confidential informant, information police believed was sufficiently corroborated. As police comb through un-served search warrants to verify the information is correct, Stawinski said his department will also look to reform their own practices such that the same mistake is not made again.

The two injured police officers were flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. At the last police update, officials say one officer is in serious condition and the other is stable, and both are expected to survive.

"I want to assure you that we will make certain that this does not repeat itself," Stawinski said.