Funeral for Slain Officer Now Open to Public; Scenes from Vigil

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UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Some of the funeral services for Jacai Colson – the Prince George’s County Police officer who died in a shooting outside the District III police station in Landover – will be open to the public this week, officials announced.

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.

Updated Funeral, Memorial Service Details

The viewing and memorial service will be held in Beltsville and Upper Marboro, while Colson will be buried in his native Pennsylvania, officials said. Due to the outpouring of support from around the country, the police department now says the viewing on Thursday and funeral on Friday will be open to the public.

Colson died March 13vin what is described by authorities as an ambush by Michael Ford of Landover, who was then shot by police officers as they charged out of the District III police station in Landover to subdue the gunman. Ford is charged with murder in Colson's death.

Colson, 28, is survived by his parents, James and Sheila Colson, and a younger brother, Jurea. He grew up in Boothwyn, PA.

Here is the service information:

Viewing:

Thursday, March 24th

2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Road in Beltsville

Friday, March 25

9:00 am to 11:00 am

First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 600 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro

Memorial Service:

Friday, March 25

11:00 am

First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 600 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro

Funeral:

Monday, March 28

12:00 pm

Lawn Croft Cemetery in Marcus Hook, PA

Recap of Fatal Shooting

Colson was deliberately fired by a fellow police officer during the melee of a gun battle reportedly started by a Landover man, authorities said.

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.

Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said at a press conference that the shot that killed Colson was not an errant shot fired by another police officer. The chief wouldn’t elaborate on whether fellow police officers mistook Colson for the shooter since he arrived at the scene in plain clothes and an unmarked squad car.

Michael DeAndre Ford, 22, of Landover has been charged with second-degree murder, six counts of attempted first-degree murder, nine counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a felony and additional charges. He is still at the hospital and currently in a no-bond status, authorities said Wednesday.

Ford's brothers -- Malik Ford, 21, of Fort Washington and Elijah Ford, 18, of Landover – reportedly knew Michael’s plan to ambush the police station.

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

“We know Jacai's family and friends, his PGPD brothers and sisters, law enforcement as a whole and our Prince George's County community would appreciate your kind gesture,” the agency said.