Crime & Safety
Howard County Police Officer Faces Second-Degree Assault Charge
Lawrence Cameron Cook was not on duty at the time of the alleged assault, according to police officials.
A Howard County police officer was indicted Wednesday on assault charges for an incident that happened when he was off duty, according to police.
In a statement released by the Howard County Police Department, Police Chief William McMahon said PFC Lawrence Cameron Cook is a 7-year veteran of the department.
Cook faces one charge of second-degree assault for an incident that occurred in Columbia on March 18, according to court records..
Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
McMahon said the incident happened while Cook was off duty.
“As the prosecution is now pending, I am unable to comment on the details of this case,” McMahon said in the statement.
Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
McMahon said the department’s internal affairs division is conducting its own investigation.
Cook is on “no-duty” status with pay and his police powers have been suspended, according to McMahon.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.