PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Detectives with the Prince George's County Police Department are working to identify several people whom they say vandalized a police cruiser during a car meetup.
Police said the large group was in the area of Chevy Chase Drive near Sweitzer Lane in Laurel for a car meet-up around 11:35 p.m. Saturday when the officer attempted to disperse the crowd.
Prince George's County Police said the officer activated his lights and sirens when the large crowd circled his marked car and began kicking and vandalizing it. The department estimates there were at least 100 cars and a large number of people the officer was attempting to disperse.
“The behavior toward our officer on Saturday was criminal. Attacking a cruiser should not be a source of entertainment for anyone. We take this seriously and we know the community does too. It’s completely unacceptable. The officer showed great restraint under these circumstances,” said Chief Malik Aziz.
The officer was not hurt, but the vehicle was significantly damaged. Police said there were no injuries to the attendees in the crowd either.
Additional officers responded to the location and eventually dispersed the crowd.
“Whenever you see a mob type mentality it can go very bad very quickly and that's always a big fear of officers on any call they go on that you know it can start as a small crowd becomes a big crowd you never know," Prince George's County Fraternal Order of Police President Angelo Consoli said. "It only takes one person to egg everyone else on and you know from talking to the officer that night that's pretty much you know, kind of what happened."
Police said no arrests were made, but they are working to identify all the individuals who participated in vandalizing the police car.
Police released these photos of suspects they said are involved.
Anyone with information is urged to call 1-866-411-TIPS.