CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — A teenager has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old, who was found dead in his driveway Tuesday evening, police said. A neighbor confirmed Wednesday that the victim was the son of a Prince George's County police officer.
Darryl Edward Freeman, 17, of Waldorf, Md., was arrested Wednesday by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office in connection with Bradley Alan Brown's death, officials said. Freeman was charged as an adult with first-degree murder, the sheriff's office said.
While the case remains under investigation, police said they have established the shooting was not random and appears to be drug-related.
Brown was found dead in the driveway of a home in Charles County, Md. Tuesday night from an apparent gunshot wound, authorities said.
A Charles County school spokesperson confirmed that Brown was a student at North Point High School in Waldorf and Freeman is a student at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf.
"I feel for his family today," North Point High School cross-country coach Jimmy Ball said during a news conference Wednesday. "Bradley ran cross-country for me for four years, great young man. I mean, this is a sad day. We got the call last night."
John Wilson, Brown's neighbor, on Wednesday morning said the teen was the son of a Prince George's County police officer.
He described the teen as "wonderful, helpful," coming from a "helpful family."
"All the time, you know, if I needed something, if I'm out here doing the yard, 'Mr. Wilson, do you need anything?' Or, 'Can I help you?'" Wilson described.
Wilson said the neighborhood is normally a quiet area.
School officials briefed the public during a news conference Wednesday morning.
"We were able to greet our students this morning with a full team of support from our student services department, so not just school-based, but county-based came by, and we were able to speak with staff and students as needed," North Point High School principal Daniel Kaple said.
"We're going around to classrooms, following Bradley's schedule, making sure the students in each classroom are good to go forward with their school day and providing services needed for staff, as well as students," Kaple added.
Kaple said the services will be in place as long as students and staff need it.
"Unfortunately, we had three students pass away last school year, so we are familiar with the processes. It's never the same, but as far as the services and supports that can we provide to our students, we are familiar, and every situation is different," Kaple said.
"My wife is taking it really hard. She has him as a student," Ball said. "As a parent, Bradley is the same age as my two kids, so it hits home today."
"The last time I saw Bradley, when had our parent night, and I just remember the big smile on his mom’s face. We were just talking about getting him through. That was in October," Ball said. "Graduation is coming up and we’re dealing with this, life taken so young."
"Our students are really empathetic. They understand the gravity of the situation, and they're definitely going through a grieving process," Kaple said.
Fellow students began tweeting messages of support to Brown, and his family.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Detective R. Johnson at 301-609-6453. Callers who want to remain anonymous can reach out to Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.