HYATTSVILLE, Md. (WUSA) -- A Prince George's County Police officer was charged Friday with second-degree assault and several other misdemeanors for allegedly lying about why his gun went off during an arrest six months-ago.
In February, Corporal Donald Taylor told investigators that he fired his weapon while struggling to arrest a 19-year-old that the thought was about to commit a robbery. No one was hurt, but internal investigators found surveillance footage that allegedly completely debunks Taylor's account of what happened.
Prosecutors have now charged Taylor with four counts of misconduct in office, three counts of false statements, 2nd degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Taylor has been suspended with pay for the last six months, but Monday he's facing a police administrative hearing to determine his pay status while this criminal prosecution is pending
"If anything, our police department strives to be transparent in everything we do. I think that this incident, sadly, is a reminder that we are a transparent police department," said Prince George's County Police Assistant Chief Kevin Davidson.
Another office involved in the incident has also been suspended, but he will not face criminal charges. Prosecutors have also dropped all charges against the 19-year-old that Taylor arrested.