Police: Suspect Arrested after Officer Shot in North Laurel

UPDATED - Thursday, 12:30 p.m.

Police announced at 8:58 a.m. Thursday that a suspect is in custody in connection to the North Laurel police shooting.

Laurel police said on their Facebook page that Stephon Prather, of no fixed address, was found in the same area where the shooting took place.

Howard County Police said officers spotted Prather, 29, walking along Route 1 around 8:45 this morning. He surrendered when confronted by police. 

Prather had a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, according to police.

A worker at a business near Lynn Buff Court told the Baltimore Sun that he spotted a man supporting himself with sticks on the side of Route 1 Thursday morning who looked like Prather and told an officer. Prather was arrested shortly afterwards, according to the Sun.

After arresting Prather, police located a handgun deep inside a storm drain in a wooded area, where investigators believe Prather may have hid throughout the night. Police believe the weapon is the one Prather used to shoot the officer.

Police forces from around Maryland descended onto Route 1 in North Laurel around 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon after a man shot Howard County police officer, Steven Houk, 30. Police said Thursday Houk remained in serious condition at Shock Trauma.

“We are relieved that our efforts throughout the night resulted in the apprehension of this suspect before he could hurt anyone else,” said Howard County Police Chief William McMahon, in a statement. “We remain concerned for Officer Houk who was injured, but are happy to report that his prognosis is good."

The suspect escaped into nearby woods leading to an all-night manhunt that included police helicopters and K-9 units. A $50,000 award was also offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect, identified Wednesday night as Prather.

Route 1 may be closed periodically near Gorman Road as police continue to investigate the shooting scene.

Related Article

Officer Shot, Photos of Suspect Released after Gunfire Erupts in North Laurel