Message from the Chief of Police
Posted on: October 9, 2023 - 10:14pm
Subject: Recent critical incidents occurring in the Town
Over the last several days, two critical police-involved incidents occurred in the Town. While both incidents involved a discharge of a weapon, there is no evidence relating these crimes. In fact, evidence developed during both ongoing investigations clearly supports that both cases are unrelated.
On Thursday, October 5th, at approximately 7:30 a.m., PGPD responded to a call for service in the 2500 block of Lake Avenue for a vandalism to auto. Investigation revealed sometime during the hours of October 4th at 8:00p.m. and October 5th at 7:00 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) fired one round through the rear window of the reporting person’s vehicle. Ballistic evidence was recovered. PGPD Division I assumed investigative responsibility. Preliminarily, this appeared to be a random act, and this information was provided through the Town’s social media. The investigation remained active, and later in the evening of Oct 5th, based upon a cooperative investigative effort with PGPD, the Office of the State’s Attorney, and CPD, it was determined that this was a targeted incident, the victim being a member of the Office of the State’s Attorney. An update to the Town’s social media was provided. While investigative leads have identified a possible suspect, there is insufficient evidence to make an arrest, and this remains an active investigation.
On Sunday, October 8th, at approximately 2:16 a.m., PGPD responded to the 2700 block of Cheverly Ave for the report of a shooting. Responding PGPD officers located a male victim suffering a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he underwent surgery. The victim remains in serious but stable condition and is expected to survive his wounds. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, I received a briefing on the incident from PGPD command staff and District Investigators. At the time, the victim was in critical condition and could not be interviewed and no suspect information was available. This preliminary information was provided through the Town’s social media.
This remained an active investigation with CPD assisting Division I investigators. CPD command staff received periodic briefings throughout the day as the investigation developed but were not at liberty to disclose information to avoid compromising the integrity of the investigation.
This evening, Monday, October 9th at 5:18 p.m. I received an update from the PGPD investigative supervisor. They advised that they have identified a likely suspect in this case, and that the shooting was domestic related. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect charges will be filed.
I realize that violent incidents of this nature cause serious concern for our community. It should, as public safety and the desire for families to feel safe in their homes is fundamental. While these incidents may be infrequent, they are no less frightening. The CPD and PGPD, as well as our allied agencies, continue to work toward the common goal of keeping our communities safe. Times like this also present an opportunity for our community to come together. Community policing is a shared responsibility, one we look forward to working with our residents to build a strong, safe community for all.
