Man shot, killed by officer in Prince George's County was armed with handgun, police say

A man who was shot and killed by a police officer Thursday night in Prince George's County was armed with a handgun, authorities say.

Prince George's County Police Chief Henry Stawinski was at the scene and said officers received a tip from a resident in the Landover area who expressed concern about a man seen in the neighborhood who they believed was known to deal drugs and carry a firearm. Stawinski said officers from the department's special operations and narcotics divisions responded to the 7800 block of Sheriff Road near FedEx Field around 9:15 p.m. to investigate.

Stawinski said when the man saw the uniformed officers in the area he fled. He said the man ran about 25 yards before being tackled by police who said they saw him reach for a handgun he had in his waist. Stawinski said one of the officers shot the man at least three times during the struggle. Emergency service crews responded and transported the man to a nearby hospital where he later died.

Police do not believe the man was involved with a criminal gang but may have been connected to a string of robberies that had been reported in the area.

No officers were injured. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-411-TIPS.