Police Make Arrest in Homicide Investigation in Capitol Heights

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has arrested Michael Ricardo Cruz, 55, of the 44000 block of Blackistone Circle, Hollywood, Maryland, in connection with the homicide of Norman Francis Wood, III, 40, last night in Capitol Heights, Maryland.   

On August 8, 2011, at approximately 5:20 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 4700 block of Leroy Gorham Drive for a report of a shooting.  Upon arrival, officers found Norman Wood, III, of the 800 block of 51^st Street N.E. in Washington, D.C. lying in the street and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Investigators learned that Wood, III, and Cruz had become engaged in a verbal altercation.  Cruz then produced a handgun and shot Wood, III, before fleeing the scene.  Cruz was stopped a short time later by responding patrol officers and taken into custody. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle.  Cruz has been charged with first and second degree murder and has been remanded to the Department of Corrections.    

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.