Sheriff’s Deputy Involved in Shooting While Serving Peace Order

Upper Marlboro, MD…  Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin C. High confirmed an officer-involved shooting yesterday, at the residence of 6312 63^rd Avenue, in Riverdale, MD.  The shooting occurred at approximately 7:30 pm, after Deputy Sheriff Paul Perriello attempted to serve a Temporary Peace Order on Franklin H. Sweeney Jr. Sheriff’s Deputies had previously made four unsuccessful attempts to serve the court’s order, which was issued by the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County on November 8, 2012.

Perriello, a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 20 years of experience, was invited into the residence by an adult female, when an adult male - later determined to be Mr. Sweeney - appeared from the rear of the residence carrying a black handgun. Deputy Sheriff Perriello subsequently discharged his agency issued firearm, striking Mr. Sweeney. Mr. Sweeney was transported to The Prince George’s Hospital Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 8:20 pm.

Preliminary investigation of the incident has determined the black handgun to be a “replica handgun;” a photo of which is attached.

Consistent with standard procedure, the Prince George’s County Police Department is conducting an investigation into the shooting; the Sheriff’s Policy Compliance Division is conducting a concurrent administrative investigation. Deputy Sheriff Perriello has been placed on Administrative Leave pending investigation.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Press Information Office at 301-780-2773.

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