Person of Interest Targeted in Community Center Shooting: Police

Authorities say they have a person of interest in Tuesday’s shooting on the grounds of the Huntington Community Center in Bowie, but no arrests have been made.

Police say acquaintances dumped Melvin Avon Thomas Jr., 23, of Bowie – who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds -- at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham and fled. Thomas has been transferred to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he is listed in stable condition on Wednesday.

Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Bowie Police officers were called to the community center about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday on reports of possible gunshot sounds. Officers found the crime scene at the center and later located Thomas at the hospital.

The Maryland-National Capital Park Police Department is taking the lead in investigating the shooting.

SEE ALSO:

• Gunshot Victim Dumped at Hospital ER By Friends: Police
• Police Charge Suspect with Murder in Bowie Shooting

Tuesday’s shooting comes on the heels of a June 4 homicide that occurred on Sixth Street in Old Town Bowie, which is being investigated by the Prince George’s County Police Department. Robert Anthony Myers, 22, of the 14500 block of London Lane was charged with first-degree murder June 5 after Devante Marcus King died from multiple gunshot wounds in the city’s first homicide of the year.

City Response to Crimes

The Bowie Police Department has been looking into the area of Sixth Street in Old Bowie since January of 2015, according to a news release from the city. Neighbors had been complaining of disorderly behavior, noise, and drug use.

Officers spoke to neighbors and conducted stops resulting in 13 field observation reports, two warrant services, and two drug arrests. Since March 1 there have been 85 specific area checks (mostly centered on Sixth Street) and 48 traffic stops. These area checks are in addition to regular patrol.

Bowie leaders also held community meetings June 2 and 11 to address ongoing problems and the homicide investigation.

City Manager David Deutsch recently convened a staff working group to discuss overall issues surrounding the area of Old Bowie. The Police Department is contacting community leaders with a goal of creating a local working group to work with the city’s group to form a long-term strategy that reflects the needs of Old Bowie residents.

The city hopes to have a meeting within the next couple of weeks. The Police Department is also assigning extra overtime units to Old Bowie nightly and will coordinate its efforts with the Prince George’s County Saturation Unit.

How You Can Get Involved

Residents who have information that can help the Bowie Police in its efforts in Old Town Bowie or information that will aid in the homicide or shooting investigations, are asked to call one of the numbers below.

Those interested in receiving notice about future meetings regarding Old Town Bowie should register for Alert Bowie 2.0 (www.cityofbowie.org/alerts).

• Prince George’s County Police Crimesolvers: 1-866-411-TIPS (8477)
• Maryland-National Capital Park Police Department Investigative Unit: 301-459-9088
• City of Bowie Police Department Anonymous Tip Line: 301-575-2008