District Heights Cop Indicted in Attempted Murder

A sergeant with the District Heights Police Department was indicted in an attempted murder Thursday, according to Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.

Johnnie Riley was charged with attempted murder, first and second degree assault, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and two counts of misconduct in office, Alsobrooks said. 

“Police officers are given powers to enforce the law and with those powers comes a great responsibility,” she said. “They must exercise their powers in a way that is reasonable and respects the humanity of everyone they serve.”

Riley turned himself in around 2:30 p.m. Thursday and is being held on a no bond status. A bond review will be held Friday.

According to police, in September Riley pulled over Kalvin Kyle on a regular traffic stop. When he learned the motorcycle Kyle was driving was allegedly stolen, he cuffed him and put him in the back of the police cruiser.

Kyle exited the cruiser and started running down the street, his hands still cuffed behind his back, police said. While Riley was chasing him, he allegedly fired his police-issued handgun, hitting Kyle in the back.

After the incident, Kyle was paralyzed from the waist down.