Bowie officer who fired gun while helping stranded driver identified

BOWIE, Md. — Bowie Police are still trying to get answers as to why an officer fired his weapon after he pulled over to help a stranded driver earlier this month. While no one was hurt, a passing vehicle was hit by the officer's gunfire. 

"I know there a lot of questions still about what occurred," Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston wrote in a letter addressed to the community. "In the spirit of transparency, although no one was physically hurt, we want to assure the Bowie community that we take this matter very seriously."

In his letter, Preston identified the officer who fired his service weapon as Sgt. Robert Warrington. He is a 12-year veteran of the City of Bowie Police Department. He is currently on paid administrative leave pending the results of an independent investigation being conducted by the Prince George's County Police Department's Special Investigation Response Team. 

On Sept. 12, police said Warrington was on patrol when he pulled over to help what he believed was a stranded motorist on Collington Road and John Hanson Highway. As Warrington walked toward the vehicle, a man approached the officer coming from the opposite side of the street and crossing the median. After a brief discussion with Warrington, police say the man continued walking toward the passenger side of the police cruiser. That's when Warrington fired one round from his service weapon. The reason why is still being investigated.

The shooting was recorded on Warrington's body-worn camera as well as his cruiser's dashboard camera. Preston said the video footage will be released once the investigation is complete. 

Preston said he plans to discuss the shooting at the next Community Matters, which is scheduled for Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bowie City Hall.