A 19-year-old woman was wounded early Sunday during an illegal car meetup in Landover, prompting a Prince George’s County Police Department investigation and renewed warnings from law enforcement about the dangers of such gatherings.
What happened
Police say the shooting occurred at about 2:30 a.m. in the 3200 block of Hubbard Road. Investigators reported a possible fight broke out at the unauthorized event, after which the woman sustained gunshot wounds. She was transported to a hospital; authorities have characterized her injuries as not life-threatening.
Prince George’s County officers responded to the scene and began an investigation into the sequence of events, the number of people involved and whether additional shots were fired. No arrests have been announced publicly as of the latest statement from investigators.
Police response and public appeal
Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader issued a public warning about the risks posed by unsanctioned car meetups and urged people — particularly teenagers and young adults — to avoid attending.
“This shooting is yet another reminder that illegal car meetups are dangerous,” Chief Nader said. “I urge everyone to stop attending these potentially deadly car meetups. I also urge all parents and guardians to talk to their teenagers and young adults, urging them not to attend these events.”
Investigators are seeking information and video footage from the public. Anyone with details or dash-camera recordings has been asked to call the department tip line at 301-772-8960 and reference case No. 26-0048829.
Incident snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Sunday, about 2:30 a.m. |
| Location | 3200 block of Hubbard Road, Landover |
| Victim | 19-year-old woman; injuries not life-threatening |
| Investigative contact | 301-772-8960 (Case No. 26-0048829) |
Why illegal car meetups are a concern
Law enforcement agencies around the region have increasingly flagged unauthorized car gatherings as a public-safety issue. These events often attract large crowds, high-speed driving, loud noise, and confrontations that can escalate quickly — conditions that create opportunities for violence, bystander injuries and property damage.
Local officials say the combination of alcohol, large numbers of people packed into small areas and the presence of firearms or illicit driving stunts can turn festive gatherings dangerous in minutes.
How residents can help
Police outlined several practical steps community members can take to assist the investigation and help prevent future incidents:
- Do not confront participants at illegal meetups; prioritize personal safety and call 911 for immediate threats.
- Preserve any video or dash-cam footage that may show the event or associated vehicles and contact the tip line.
- Parents and guardians should talk with teens and young adults about the risks of attending unsanctioned events.
- Report any planned or posted meetups on social media to authorities instead of sharing details publicly.
What investigators have not confirmed
Officials have not released information about suspects, motives or whether the shooting was targeted. It is also unclear how many people were present or whether other injuries occurred. No formal charges were announced by police at the time of the report.
Prince George’s County has previously responded to similar incidents with increased patrols and targeted enforcement at locations known for illegal gatherings. Lawmakers and police leaders have also discussed potential legal and community-based strategies to reduce such events, including coordinated outreach, loitering enforcement and partnerships with property owners.
Anyone with information relevant to this Landover shooting is asked to contact the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-772-8960 and reference case No. 26-0048829. Tips can often be submitted anonymously.
This is a developing story. WE NEWS will update coverage as authorities release additional details.
