Police Union President Charged with Assault

UPDATED (5:16 p.m.)—Sgt. Cole Weston, president of the Baltimore County police officers union, has been charged with second-degree assault and reckless endangerment related to an incident outside his Parkville home.

The charges were announced today in a press release from Harford County State's Attorney Joseph Cassilly.

The charges against Weston stem from a outside his Parkville home in which he allegedly pulled his gun on two men and hit one in the face with his hand. Weston was off duty at the time, according to county police.

The investigation and charging of Weston was handled by the Harford County State's Attorney's office to avoid a conflict of interest with Baltimore County's top prosecutor. Weston's union, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4, endorsed Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger and donated to his campaign.

Weston has been charged in Baltimore County Circuit Court, but Harford County prosecutors will handle his prosecution.

Weston is considered to be part of the Baltimore County Police Department's administrative staff and not a patrol officer because of his role as union president. 

Lt. Robert McCullough said Weston was placed on administrative duty and stripped of his police powers pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

Weston also has an internal investigation and administrative review. Those cannot be completed until after the criminal proceedings have concluded.

McCullough, who did not speak specifically about Weston's case, said the results of that review could result in termination.