Md. police shooting victim regains speech

CHEVERLY, Md., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A Maryland man who was shot by a county homeland security official while delivering furniture to his home last month has regained the ability to speak.

Robert White, 36, and Brandon Clark, 22, were delivering furniture to the home of Keith Washington, a veteran police officer for Prince George's County, on Jan. 24.

Washington is also the county's deputy director of homeland security, the Washington Post said.

Both men were shot, and Clark died. Police have been unable to question White because of his injuries, but his lawyer said White has regained limited speaking abilities and has been moved out of intensive care in Cheverly, Md.

Police initially said Washington apparently acted in self-defense and that the deliverymen would likely be charged with assault, but recanted and said no conclusions would be made until investigation was complete.

Both men shot were unarmed, the newspaper said.