Police officer suspended after second gun incident

Washington allegedly pulled gun on a man who accidentally came to his door

‘‘I directed that Cpl. Washington’s police powers be suspended today and his firearm was confiscated for his safety and the safety of the public,” Police Chief Melvin High said in a statement on Thursday.

Michael Winkelman, attorney for the appraiser, said his client was ‘‘scared for his life,” and that he didn’t realize who Washington was until he left the property.

Winkelman said Washington pulled his gun on the appraiser as soon as he opened the door.

‘‘He [the appraiser] said Washington [said] ‘I know who the [expletive] you are and I know what the [expletive] you’re doing here,’ and pulls out a gun.”

Washington’s attorney Steve Sunday could not be reached for comment.

Washington, who is also the Prince George's deputy homeland security director, had been on paid administrative leave since he allegedly shot District resident Robert White and Oxon Hill resident Brandon Clark on Jan. 24 while they were making a furniture delivery to his home.

Clark later died from his wounds. White has been in and out of surgery since the incident. Police originally said Washington fired in self-defense. But a statement from White after the incident claimed that Washington’s attack was unprovoked, and that Washington lied about what happened.

Winkelman also represents the families of the two deliverymen.

Police spokeswoman Cpl. Debbi Carlson said Washington would remain on paid leave, though he is suspended indefinitely while police investigate both matters. Charges have not been filed in the Jan. 24 incident.

Carlson said Washington’s county-issued 9mm Beretta was confiscated for evidence after the shooting, but that he was issued another one while on leave. That one was confiscated following the incident Thursday.