GRANTSVILLE, Md. (WMAR) — Maryland State Police say a suspect may have been stalking a home when he pointed a rifle at a trooper overnight Monday.
Edward E. Lukas, 45, is charged with first and second degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and reckless endangerment.
It all began when a man called police reporting that someone had been calling and leaving threatening messages against him and his family.
A trooper was then dispatched to the victim's home in the 5700 block of Amish Road in Grantsville.
Upon pulling up, the trooper spotted a man at the edge of the woods near the home, and ordered him to come out.
The man instead jumped into a ditch and popped back up pointing a rifle at the trooper.
After ignoring the trooper's commands to drop the gun, the man began to walk away and eventually dropped the gun.
He was then taken into custody. The Marlin rifle was recovered and found to be loaded with more than a dozen rounds of ammunition.
Investigators are looking into whether Lukas was targeting the home and behind the threatening calls and messages, and if so what his motive was.
In the meantime, police say they will seek an extreme risk protective order against Lukas.
He's currently awaiting a preliminary bail hearing at the Garrett County Detention Center.
