CMPD Off-Duty Officer Assaulted Overnight

UPDATE: Police have arrested two men for the assault on Officer Peterson. Joseph Lee Bellamy (Top) and Keith Quinton McDowell (Bottom) are charged with the following: Assault with Firearm or other Deadly Weapon on Government Officer, Larceny, Resisting and Delaying or Obstructing an Officer.

Police say the suspects vehicle was also located and processed for evidence. In addition, they say the information was withheld to allow them time to show lineups to witnesses.

12-11-2007: Early this morning, CMPD Officer Hakeem A. Peterson was injured while working an off-duty security job at the Walgreen's located at 4701 South Boulevard.

At 1:42 am, a suspect (photos below) entered the store and stole a large quantity of cologne and ran out of the store. Officer Peterson pursued the suspect out of the store and witnessed him get into the front passenger seat of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was being driven by a second black male suspect.

Officer Peterson ordered the suspects to stop. He reached into the open window in an effort to apprehend the suspect. The vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed, dragging Officer Peterson.

Officer Peterson sustained a fractured skull, a concussion and multiple abrasions to his face and body. Officer Peterson was admitted to Carolinas Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. He is listed in fair and stable condition.

Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as 4-door and dark in color. Possibly a Ford Taurus, Hyundai or a Nissan.

Suspect # 1 is described as a black/male with a dark complexion, approximately 20 years of age, 5-9 to 5-10 in height. He was wearing a white NIKE ball cap with a dark brim and a dark colored NIKE "Swoosh" on the front. He was also wearing a dark green jacket/coat over a dark shirt with a white design on the front and blue jeans. Suspect # 2 is described only as a black/male.

Note: Officer H.A. Peterson works in the Independence Division if you'd like to send a get well card. Peterson is one of my favorite CMPD Officers and I wish him a speedy recovery!