A Prince George's County police officer discharged his firearm at a stolen Hyundai that fled a traffic stop in Bladensburg, Maryland, on September 20, 2026. The incident occurred after the driver of the vehicle, which had been reported stolen, attempted to evade the stop by accelerating away from the officer.
According to the department, the officer initiated the stop after identifying the Hyundai as a stolen vehicle. When the driver did not comply and instead accelerated, the officer pursued the vehicle. As the Hyundai continued to flee, the officer fired his weapon in an effort to stop the vehicle. No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire.
The police department confirmed that the vehicle was traveling away from the officer at the time of the discharge. The officer's decision to use his firearm was based on the vehicle's continued flight and the potential threat it posed. The department has not released further details about the number of rounds fired or the exact location where the shots landed.
The incident is being investigated by the Prince George's County Police Department's internal affairs unit, which will review the officer's actions in accordance with department policy. The investigation will determine whether the use of force was justified under the circumstances.
No other officers were involved in the pursuit, and there were no bystanders reported to be in the immediate vicinity of the shooting. The stolen Hyundai remained at large after the officer's gunfire, and its current status is unknown. Police continue to search for the vehicle and its driver, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The event underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with stolen vehicles that attempt to flee during traffic stops, highlighting the protocols that guide use-of-force decisions in high‑risk situations.