Lumber-Wielding Man Shot By Officers Probing Home Invasion, Stabbing In District Heights: PD

Raphael Coates was arrested following a strange scene that landed him in the hospital after an attack that was reported early on April 14 both inside and outside of a home in the 1800 block of Addison Road South.

Shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday, officers were called to the residence to investigate a reported home invasion after a 911 caller advised that a person had been stabbed during the altercation.

Responding officers encountered Coates outside the home, at which point he turned and fled back inside. Seconds later, the stabbing victim came out of the home, followed by Coates, who was armed with a large piece of lumber that he refused to relinquish.

Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz said that officers at the scene "gave loud, repeated verbal commands to discard the 2x4, and one officer discharged a weapon striking him in the upper body and lower body."

Officers provided aid to Coates and the stabbing victim until an ambulance arrived to take them to the hospital for treatment and evaluation of their injuries. Both are expected to survive, according to police on Monday.

"The preliminary investigation revealed Coates initially stabbed the victim outside and chased him into the home," officials said. "They are known to each other. Preliminarily, the motive appears to be a dispute over money."

The District Heights resident was charged with attempted second-degree murder, home invasion, first-degree assault and related offenses. Once he is released from the hospital, Coates will be taken to the county's Department of Corrections.

Aziz said that the officer - a 30-year law enforcement veteran - was placed on administrative leave. No other injuries were reported.

"The Internal Affairs Division is investigating the actions of the officer who discharged his duty weapon," officials said. "As is standard procedure, he is now on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. That officer joined the agency in 1994 and is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol."

It remains under investigation.

Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.

to follow Daily Voice Prince George's and receive free news updates.