Officer killed after Laurel pursuit, suspect arrested in crash
A Prince George's County police officer died after a vehicle allegedly forced a patrol cruiser off the road during a pursuit originating at a Shell station in Laurel on November 17, 2025, and a suspect has since been arrested in connection with the crash. The incident has raised questions about public safety, police pursuits, and accountability, and the department has authorized a reward as it continues its investigation.
A Prince George's County police officer was killed and a second officer injured after a vehicle pursuit on November 17, 2025, that began with a reported theft from a vehicle at a Shell station in Laurel. According to a POLICE Magazine report, officers Morris and Michael Risher responded to the call after two suspects were seen leaving the scene in a silver Acura with temporary tags. The Acura returned and the officers initiated a pursuit.
The report states that the Acura allegedly forced a patrol cruiser off the road near Powder Mill Road and Interstate 95. Officer Morris, who was driving the cruiser, was ejected and suffered traumatic head injuries. He was transported to a hospital where he later died. Officer Risher sustained multiple injuries and was released from medical care. A suspect was arrested in connection with the crash, the report said, and the Prince George's County Police Department has been conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the pursuit and collision.
The department authorized a Crime Solvers reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, signaling an effort to mobilize community assistance as the inquiry proceeds. For residents of Prince George's County, the case underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face responding to everyday calls, and it highlights the sometimes-fatal consequences of vehicle pursuits on local roads and major arteries such as Interstate 95.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the incident may prompt renewed discussion about pursuit policies, interagency coordination, and measures to prevent similar outcomes. Powder Mill Road and surrounding corridors are vital commuter routes, and any changes to enforcement or pursuit protocols could affect traffic management and public safety across the county. As investigators work to establish a full timeline and the role of those arrested, community leaders and law enforcement officials will need to balance accountability and transparency with an ongoing criminal investigation.
The loss of an officer is felt across the department and the communities they serve. Authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward through established Crime Solvers channels as the case moves toward prosecution.
