EDGEWOOD, MD—An Edgewood man has been convicted on attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges.

On Monday, December 11, Luke Edward Powell, 24, was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and weapons charges following a nine-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on September 5, 2022, deputies responded to 2016 Cherry Road in Edgewood for a report of shots fired. Detectives from Harford County Sheriff’s Office assumed the investigation, which revealed that the shooting occurred at the intersection of Hanson Road and Edgewood Road. The Defendant, Luke Powell, rode a red and white dirt bike and fired multiple shots at the victims, a male and his father, while they were in their vehicle at the red light. The younger male victim was familiar with the Defendant and identified the shooter as Luke Powell, who resided on Cherry Road. The vehicle sustained damage from the bullets, but neither victim was seriously injured.

A search of the intersection produced two spent .380 caliber shell casings in the roadway where the victims stated the shooting occurred. These casings were later identified as the same caliber, manufacturer, and year of manufacture as ammunition recovered from the defendant’s home after a search warrant was lawfully executed. The defendant’s red and white dirt bike was also located hidden in thick brush behind his residence and was still hot to the touch, contrary to his denial of owning or riding a dirt bike that day. In addition to ammunition, detectives also located a firearm case and a magazine for a .380 caliber handgun in the defendant’s bedroom. The firearm used was never located.

Ring video footage depicted the defendant removing the same dirt bike from his shed and riding it down the roadway just prior to the shooting. The footage also showed the defendant returning home in the same clothing but changing shirts prior to deputies’ arrival on scene. Sentencing in this matter is currently set for March 22, 2024.

After the jury returned their guilty verdict, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey provided the following statement: “Justice was served today for these two victims when a Harford County jury found Mr. Powell guilty of his crimes. This verdict further ensures that the Defendant will be off of the streets of our community and will be unable to perpetrate any further crimes of violence for the foreseeable future, if ever. I commend the victims in this matter for their strength and willingness to testify in this case, and it is my sincere hope that they heal from this terrifying event and move forward in the most positive way possible. Using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, especially with the intent to take the life of one of our citizens, is an intolerable act, and the State will seek a sentence that sends that strong message.”

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels