Press Releases - December 2005

December 16, 2005

PRESS RELEASE
Murder Suspect Re-Captured in Area-Wide Search

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department captured first-degree murder suspect Adrian Devon Ashton, who escaped while being transported to the District III Police Station. Ashton was under arrest in connection with a homicide that occurred on December 14, 2005.

The Police Department quickly established a perimeter of the surrounding area and set up a communications command post to recapture 22-year-old Ashton. The suspect was arrested on December 15, 2005, at approximately 5:30 p.m. under an arrest warrant charging him with the murder of 22-year-old Anthony Louis Brown of the 1100 block of Kennebec Street.   Ashton escaped near the District III Station in the 7700 block of Barlowe Road in Landover.

A massive search began, that included detectives, patrol units, canine units, Special Operations Divisions (SOD) officers, and with assistance from local jurisdictions such as Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Deputies, Maryland Park and State Police and officers from the Town of Glenarden. The incident commander, Lt. Col. Roberto Hylton, had officers set up roadblocks and canvass the neighborhood with the suspect’s photo to warn citizens and residents of the potential danger.

The Department also used the county’s Wide Area Rapid Notification (WARN) System to notify residents about Ashton’s escape. The WARN System is an emergency notification system capable of contacting thousands of residents simultaneously in cases of emergency. This was the first opportunity the county has had to use the system.

“I’m proud of our officers and the way they handled this operation. The situation shows how strong the partnership is between law enforcement agencies in the region. I appreciate their support and that of the community and the residents who work closely with us every day,” said Lt. Colonel Hylton.

With use of a Maryland State Police bloodhound, the search continued into the morning hours when an alert citizen called with information about a suspicious person who turned out to be Ashton. After a thorough and exhaustive search, he was captured in the 8100 block of 82^nd Avenue without further incident.

For more information, contact the Press Information Office at 301-772-4710.