Suspect charged in district heights stabbing and home invasion
Photo 15576267 © Gunnar3000 | Dreamstime.com

Suspect Charged in District Heights Stabbing and Home Invasion

April 15, 2024

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD — Raphael Coates, a 40-year-old resident of District Heights, has been charged by the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit in connection with a stabbing and home invasion that occurred on the morning of April 14, 2024.

Police responded to a 911 call at around 9:55 AM reporting a home invasion and stabbing at a residence in the 1800 block of Addison Road South. Upon arrival, officers encountered Coates fleeing back into the home. Shortly after, the stabbing victim emerged from the residence, followed by Coates who was armed with a large piece of lumber. After failing to comply with verbal commands, Coates advanced towards an officer, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon and strike the suspect.

Both Coates and the victim received immediate medical attention from the officers and were subsequently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The initial investigation suggests the incident stemmed from a monetary dispute between Coates and the victim, who are known to each other.

Coates faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, home invasion, first-degree assault, and other related charges. He will be transferred to the Department of Corrections following his release from the hospital.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.