Accused cop shooter’s prelim postponed

Fetters is brought to the transport van by Mason County Sheriff personnel.

LUDINGTON – The preliminary court examination of Lowell Fetters has been delayed. Fetters is accused of shooting Ludington Police Sgt. Dave Maltbie, and shooting at other police officers, along with several other crimes.

Fetters’ prelim was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today. Fetters sat in the courtroom, his family members – who did not speak to him – sat behind him, and waited for court proceedings to begin. Prosecuting attorney Paul Spaniola and defense attorney Norm White of Ludington met with District Court Judge Pete Wadel in his chambers.

At 11:45 a.m. court began.

“The court has learned through the prosecutor that Mr. White is a neighbor of Mr. Fetters,” Wadel told the court. “There are some of the events that are alleged to have occurred that Mr. White is privy to, in other words is a witness to.”

Wadel went on to explain that though White’s role as a witness may be minor, an attorney cannot represent a client in a case where the attorney may be a potential witness.

After asking Fetters, 64, and his family some questions about Fetters’ financial status, Wadel agreed to assign a court-appointed attorney to defend Fetters.

The shooting incident occurred on June 27 when police were called to a domestic dispute at 707 N. Delia Street in Ludington. Upon arriving, Fetters was arguing with his wife, Kaye, in their front yard. Fetters immediately went into the house and returned with a gun and proceeded to shoot at police, striking Maltbi, according a an LPD press release.

Mason County Press has learned that Fetters allegedly also shot at two Mason County Sheriff deputies as well.

Fetters is charged with nine counts including assault with intent to murder, police officer assault/resist, obstruction causing injury, felonious assault, malicious destruction of police property, domestic assault second offense and four counts of weapons felony firearms.

The new preliminary examination date is set for Thursday, Aug. 16 in 79th District Court.

Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

Tags: cop shooting