Prince George's County police shoot car theft ring suspect in Camp Springs, officials say

CAMP SPRINGS, Md. - A suspect was shot by police in Prince George's County on Monday, according to officials.

Prince George's County police say a team of detectives was investigating a car theft and carjacking ring in the 6200 block of Maxwell Drive in Camp Springs at around 2:30 p.m.

According to Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski, the team was surveilling a stolen vehicle in an effort to apprehend a suspect believed to be involved in the car theft ring. As officers saw the suspect approach the vehicle, they also witnessed him armed with a handgun with a 30-round magazine.

"At this point, our officers announce themselves," said Stawinski. "They are in plain clothes, but they are wearing outer garments that clearly identify them as police officers and they clearly identified themselves as police officers. The individual had the weapon in his hand and fired upon my officers. Our officers then returned fire."

The police chief says about 10 rounds of gunfire were exchanged between two detectives and the suspect. The suspect was wounded during the shooting, but no officers were hit by the suspect.

Officers provided first aid to the suspect and he was then transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. Stawinski says the suspect is stable at this time.

Prince George's County police released a photo of the suspect's weapon that was recovered.

Police say they are processing the scene and interviewing witnesses.