On March 18 at 7:18 a.m., Officer James Thompson of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling Zekiah Run Road in La Plata when he observed a vehicle that was backed over a curb and had nearly struck an apartment building located at 615 Zekiah Run Road. Sheriff's Officers Clint Walter and Jonathan Rager responded to assist. The officers located a male suspect in the vehicle. The suspect exited the vehicle, which was still running, and officers interviewed him, conducted a field sobriety test and determined he was under the influence. The officers attempted to arrest the suspect but a struggle ensued during which the suspect brandished and fired a handgun. The suspect's shot did not strike anyone. One officer returned fire, striking the suspect in his chest.
The suspect was immediately incapacitated and officers summoned emergency medical services personnel. A Maryland State Police helicopter flew the suspect to Prince George’s Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Police recovered a semi-automatic handgun from the scene.
The officer who fired the shot is identified as Police Officer First Class Clint Walter, a four-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. The three officers have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Charles County Sheriff's Office has positively identified the suspect as Jonathan Zacharias Lyles, 24, of Oxon Hill, Md.