A Prince George’s police officer was arrested on charges of attempted murder and second-degree assault after he fired his service weapon at a man while off-duty, authorities said Friday.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said Hardester arranged to meet someone he knew at a parking lot near Crain Highway in Newburg. When the two arrived, an argument ensued.
As the victim turned to walk away, according to charging documents, he heard a “loud gun shot and felt a ‘whiz’ go past him.” Hardester, still in his car, fired a single shot with his duty weapon at the victim, according to police and charging documents.
Hardester fled and the victim, who was not stuck by gunfire, followed him, officials said.
The victim called 911 and told police Hardester’s location before the officer was arrested, Charles County officials said.
According to charging documents, surveillance footage verified the victim’s story and captured what appeared to be the gunshot firing.
Prince George’s County police said Hardester is also charged with second-degree assault in connection with a domestic incident earlier Thursday evening at his home in St. Mary’s County.
Angelo Consoli, president of the union that represents Prince George’s County police, said the news of what happened to Hardester shocked him and sounded out of character based on his interactions.
“Right now we need to let the court system play its part and get to the bottom of what happened,” Consoli said.
Hardester is being held at the Charles County Detention Center and waiting to be seen by a district court commissioner, Charles County officials said Friday afternoon.
An individual listed in online records who appeared to be family for Hardester did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
