Community Urged to Support Family of Slain PG Officer

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BOWIE, MD--Residents are being encouraged to support the family of slain Prince George’s County Police Officer Jacai Colson by gathering Friday at the church where his funeral service will be held.

Police say Colson was shot by a fellow police officer during the melee of a gun battle reportedly started by a Landover man.

The suspect who reportedly fired on Prince George's County Police in an effort to commit "suicide by cop" was charged with second-degree murder in the death of an officer during the melee.

A member of Maryland Wives Behind the Badge shared this post with us on the Bowie Patch Facebook page:

“Maryland Wives Behind the Badge would like to invite all members of the community to pay their respects to POFC Colson and his family. Please gather on the street outside of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden on Friday, March 25th at 12:30pm.

Please help us show Officer Colson's family, and the entire PGPD that we appreciate the tremendous sacrifice that was made by Officer Colson last week. We will gather outside the church at the end of the funeral to show the family how much we appreciate their son's service and the sacrifice he made to protect our community. Consider wearing blue and bringing an American Flag to wave as the family leaves the church.

Parking is available across the street at Largo/Kettering/Perrywood Elementary School and Community Center located at 501 Watkins Park Drive, Largo, MD 20774. We are hoping to draw a big crowd, so get a group together and carpool.

Please spread the word!! Invite all members of the community, and anyone who would like to show their gratitude for selfless actions of Officer Colson”

A candelight vigil and moment of silence were held Sunday at the police station to commemorate Colson's life and honor the service of his fellow police officers.

Barbara Rust, Colson’s grandmother, spoke at the gathering.

“He was what I called ‘my man,’ and he’s in a better place and he’s at peace,” a tearful Rust said.

Residents have been encouraged to post messages in memory of Colson on the police department's Facebook page.