DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD. (WUSA) --- Police say 26-year-old Kalvin Kyle was in handcuffs when he tried to run from police. District Heights Police say that's when one of their own shot Kyle in the back.

It happened at the intersection of County Road and Foster Street around 5:30 Thursday evening.

The shooting unfolded in front of a daycare when parents were picking up their children.

Police say Sgt. Johnnie Riley, an eight-year veteran with the department shot Kyle, critically injuring him.

Police say the officer had pulled Kyle over because he was riding a stolen motorcycle.

A woman who does not want to be identified tells 9News that "the officer got out grabbed the young guy by the hair, which he had dreads, and threw him on the ground."

She says she saw the shooting through a window

"He threw a baton, the baton missed, he pulled out his gun and three shots went off. He fell to the ground, face down."

Another witness says he heard three shots as well. He says the disturbing details are reminiscent of another incident.

"It reminds me years ago, they shot that boy. He was handcuffed behind his back."

It was nearly 20 years ago that officers shot a 24-year-old man to death who was also handcuffed and seated in the front seat of the cruiser. It happened off Kipling Parkway just a few blocks from Thursday's shooting. The officers were never indicted in that case.

Thursday's shooting brings questions to the neighborhood.

"To me the cop could've caught the boy they didn't have to shoot him," said one neighbor

"The kids were upset and we were trying to comfort them to make sure they're okay," said another.

Sgt. Riley is on paid administrative leave. Both Prince George's County and District Heights police departments refused to go on came about the case on Friday.