Shots Spark Fear as Indiana Man Detained on Outer Banks
Unsettling Discharge of Firearm
Camping usually brings images of serene landscapes, roasting marshmallows over an open fire and peaceful time out under the stars. But on the afternoon of Monday, June 18th at the Hatteras Island KOA campground in Rodanthe, tranquility took an abrupt and terrifying turn. Campers were jolted from their relaxation as gunfire echoed through the typically peaceful grounds.
A Man and His Weapon
According to sources, 38-year-old Kyle Andrew Lowery from Greenwood, Indiana had barricaded himself inside a camper at the Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort, and discharged a firearm within the confined space. Upon arrest, authorities charged him with three counts, including felony discharge of firearm within an enclosure to incite fear.
This disturbing incident unfolded around 12:27 p.m., triggering at least two desperate calls to the local law enforcement agency. The messages were clear – there was an armed man, firing his weapon, sparking fear, chaos, and uncertainty among the campground community.
Law Enforcement Responds
With the situation growing increasingly volatile, law enforcement swiftly arrived on the scene. On spotting a gunshot hole on the back of Lowery’s camper, officers attempted to negotiate with the man to surrender, but he remained unresponsive. Due to the suspect’s non-cooperation and the potential threat posed by a firearm on the loose, the decision was made to deploy pepper spray into the camper van.
The pepper spray method proved effective as Lowery shortly exited the camper and was taken into custody without incident or injury. Officers seized the firearm used in the incident as part of the ongoing investigation.
Aftermath of the Incident
A total of around 15 law enforcement officers from various agencies including the Sheriff’s office, the National Park Service, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol were involved in the incident. The campground retuned to calm, and no injuries were reported among any of the officers or campground visitors.
Despite his arrest, there are still many questions left unanswered. Among them, were there other people inside the camper at the time of the shooting and what type of weapon was used in the event? While more details will surely emerge as the investigation continues, the local community is left to wonder about the motives behind this unsettling incident.
As of Tuesday morning, Lowery was detained in Dare County Detention Center with a bond set at $65,000. The incident serves as yet another stark reminder of the unexpected and potentially dangerous situations that can arise, even in the most tranquil of settings.
