Off Duty Officer Indicted On Charges Stemming From Pool Incident

COLUMBIA, MD — An off-duty Hyattsville police officer who police say argued with a group of teenagers at an apartment complex pool and displayed a gun during the altercation has been indicted by a Howard County grand jury on seven counts of first-degree assault and one count of use of a handgun during the commission of a crime of violence.

Private First Class Mitchell Joseph Lowery, 29, was at the apartment complex in the 12000 block of Little Patuxent Parkway about 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 2. The Howard County Police Department notified Hyattsville Police that they were investigating a possible assault involving Lowery, who was immediately suspended. After being notified of the charges, Lowery turned himself in and was released on personal recognizance the following day.

“As chief of police, I find the serious nature of these charges deeply concerning,but I am mindful that the criminal and administrative processes must take place,”said Hyattsville Police Chief Amal Awad in a statement.

An initial hearing for Lowery is scheduled in Howard County Circuit Court for Oct. 16. As a result of the felony charges, Lowery’s administrative duty status is now suspended without pay, the Hyattsville Police Department noted.