Police: Man shot in Beltsville said he was on PCP
Suspect allegedly fired at armored truck, aimed at police
A man who fired at an armored truck and was later shot by Prince George's County police Friday afternoon in Beltsville told investigators he was on PCP at the time of the incident, police said.
Toumani Thomas, 32, of Washington, D.C., shot at the truck and fled to a Beltsville home, said police spokesman Evan Baxter. When he came out pointing a rifle, he was shot by police.
The incident began at about 3:30 p.m. Friday when Thomas followed a Dunbar armored truck for about six miles from Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park to Powder Mill Road near Evans Trail in Beltsville, police said. At that point, Thomas stepped out of his grey Chevrolet Impala and began firing an assault rifle at the vehicle.
A nearby officer confronted and fired at Thomas, who drove away before leaving his vehicle near the intersection of Baltimore and Manheim avenues, Baxter said.
From there, he fled on foot and locked himself inside a home in the 5000 block of Lexington Ave.
There were several occupants inside the home, all of whom escaped when Thomas entered. He remained inside for almost an hour before emerging with a rifle in hand, Baxter said.
"He aimed his assault rifle at the officers, and a second officer fired at the suspect," Baxter said, adding that he was unsure why Thomas fled to that particular house.
Thomas was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for a non-life-threatening wound to his lower body. He faces charges including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and illegal handgun possession.
Following standard procedure, the two officers who fired at Thomas Cpls. Michael Soden and Kenneth Fox have been placed on administrative leave while police investigate.
E-mail David Hill at dhill@gazette.net.