Possible Massacre Averted in Waldorf

LA PLATA, Md. (April 11, 2016)—A possible massacre was averted in Waldorf Saturday thanks to a citizen happening onto a police officer at just the right moment. The citizen flagged down Cpl. P. McCue, of the sheriff's office, and alerted him to a man carrying a long gun at a nearby recreation center. In the end, the gun—a loaded AR-15 semi-automatic rifle with 27 rounds in it—was stolen and the man was allegedly on his way to settle a score.

The incident occurred on April 9 at 4:11 p.m. in the 2000 block of Nantucket Drive in Waldorf. Police confirmed that the rec center is the Wakefield Neighborhood Association located at 2002 Nantucket Drive.

Police say Cpl. P. McCue quickly responded and noticed the man walking in the parking lot holding a rifle. Cpl. McCue drove toward the man who then suddenly hid behind a car. Cpl. McCue ordered the man to surrender at which time he did. Once he was secured, officers located the loaded rifle. A check revealed the gun had been reported stolen from North Carolina.

Investigation revealed the suspect, Rodrigueze Lavon Nowlin, Jr., 21, of North Carolina, was at the center attending a baby shower with approximately 13 other people. He became involved in an argument with a male guest who assaulted him during the confrontation. Nowlin then left the party and retrieved the gun from his car. As he was walking back to the center, the guests observed him and locked the doors to prevent him from entering. In the meantime, the person with whom Nowlin had been arguing fled, but was stopped by police. He was in possession of brass knuckles.

Nowlin was arrested and charged (39 charges in total) with theft: $1,000 to under $10,000 (CR.7.104); stolen regulated firearm (PS.5.138); restricted firearm ammuniation (CR.4.110); assault weapon/magazine use (CR.4.306.(b)(1)); dangerous weapon intent to injure (CR.4.101.(c)(2)); firearm use in a felony or violent crime (CR.4.204.b); 11 counts of first-degree assault (CR.3.202); 11 counts of second-degree assault (CR.3.203); and 11 counts of reckless endangerment (CR.3.204(a)(1)).

Nowlin was released on $250,000 bond on Monday after being bonded out by Kimberly Austin Williams of Charlotte, N.C., according to the Md. Judiciary database.

Updated 2016-04-12 3:36 p.m.: Clarified that the AR-15 was a semi-automatic, not automatic. Elaborate on charges and include info on bond.