By Jessica Gresko
Associated Press
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A man charged in a shooting outside a Maryland police station that led to an officer’s death was trying to get himself killed by police officers, not attack them, defense attorneys said at a hearing Wednesday.
A detective testified during the hearing that the man, 22-year-old Michael Ford, was having his two brothers film the March 13 shooting so it could be sent to a website known for posting violent videos.
During the hearing, Judge Robert Heffron Jr. found probable cause to hold all three brothers in the case for another 30 days. Prosecutors are expected to seek indictments within that window.
Police have said Ford discussed his plans for a shoot-out with police with his brothers, who then drove him to a Prince George’s County Police Department station. After they arrived, Ford began firing at the building and vehicles, causing police officers to return fire. Police said Ford’s brothers used cellphones to record video of the gunfight and then drove off when he was shot.
Michael Ford survived, but killed in the shooting was plainclothes officer Jacai Colson, who was shot by another officer who did not recognize him and viewed him as an armed threat.
On Wednesday, Prince George’s County Police Department Det. Joshua Malinowski testified that 21-year-old Malik Ford and 18-year-old Elijah Ford agreed to transport their brother to the station, film him and get the video to the website WorldstarHipHop.com, which is known for posting violent videos. When Malinowski said Michael Ford had given instructions to get the video to the website, however, Malik Ford seemed to shake his head in disagreement. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said outside of court that the video was an attempt to gain notoriety.
Michael Ford’s attorneys, Keith Lotridge and Max Wolson, argued in court that none of the shots he fired hurt anyone and that he was only trying to draw fire to himself.
As the men left the courtroom one of them said to family members in the audience: “Pray for us, y’all.” Their sister, who declined to be identified, and an aunt, Erica Thomas, responded “we will.”
Also on Wednesday, Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski confirmed the name of the officer who fired the fatal shot at Colson. Stawinski identified the officer as Taylor Krauss.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 13.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press