64 Years Ago Today: Wounded Officer Dies in Riverdale

On June 12, 1948—64 years ago today—Officer Charles F. Caldwell of the Prince George's County Police Department died at Riverdale's Leland Memorial Hospital after being shot three times while responding to an assault.

According to the PGPD, 36-year-old Caldwell, who was assigned to the Hyattsville District Station, was called to a report of a fight in the 5300 Blk. Nash St. in Fairmount Heights. When he arrived at the scene, Caldwell placed a woman involved in the altercation under arrest.

But as Caldwell escorted her to the police vehicle, the woman's father reportedly grabbed the officer's service weapon and shot him three times in the chest. Caldwell's partner was also struck in the arm and leg.

Caldwell was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later. He was the third law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in Prince George's County.