A bicyclist died after he was struck by an on-duty officer driving an unmarked DC police vehicle in Prince George’s County on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the area of East Capitol Street near Southern Avenue, Capitol Heights at around 4:30 pm.
Patrol officers responded to the scene and found the victim with serious injuries. He died at a hospital where he was taken shortly after, according to a press release by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The department has launched an investigation into the fatal collision. They are currently working to identify the deceased cyclist.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the on-duty DC officer involved was traveling westbound on East Capitol Street approaching Southern Avenue. The emergency lights and sirens of the SUV he was driving were activated.
PGPD investigating fatal bicycle collision in Capitol Heights. https://t.co/OXnA69qTDP
— PGPDNEWS (@PGPDNews) October 28, 2020
Witnesses say the cyclist was initially riding his bike on the sidewalk along East Capitol Street and then entered the roadway into the lanes of travel, only seconds before the collision.
“Any questions about the officer’s status, assignment, or why he was in the area should be directed to MPDC,” the Prince George’s County Police Department said in the release.
MPD confirmed that one of their members was involved in the accident, but did not give any details.
The Prince George’s County Police Department encourages anyone with information on the case to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422.
To give tips anonymously, you can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or visit www.pgcrimesolvers.com.