The fate of Bowie Police Sgt. Robert Warrington is now up to a judge, after a two-day bench trial over a 2024 roadside shooting wrapped up Tuesday in Prince George’s County. With no jury in the room, the judge alone will decide whether Warrington is guilty of attempted second-degree murder and related charges.
How the case reached the bench
Warrington was indicted last October after body-cam and dash-cam footage showed him firing a single round at a man who had walked past a stopped SUV on Collington Road near the John Hanson Highway. No one was hit, but a passing vehicle was struck. Prosecutors followed up with charges that include attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and misconduct in office, according to The Washington Post.
Two-day bench trial concludes
The judge-only trial ran for two days and wrapped up Tuesday afternoon in Prince George’s County Circuit Court, as reported by FOX 5 DC. Because it was a bench trial, the judge, not a jury, will weigh the testimony and video evidence and issue the verdict.
Video and officials' reaction
Prosecutors have highlighted the body-cam and dash-cam recordings released with the indictment, footage they say shows Warrington firing while the civilian was unarmed. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said the video shows actions “not in line with the training or the orders of the Bowie City Police Department,” and Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston has said Warrington is suspended without pay, as reported by NBC4 Washington.
What comes next
The judge will now review the evidence and is expected to issue a written ruling in the coming days or weeks. Warrington remains charged with multiple felonies, and those counts carry potential prison time under Maryland law that could translate into significant penalties if he is convicted. The next court date will hinge on upcoming filings and the judge’s written decision, according to WMAR2.
