Howard County State?s Attorney Timothy McCrone will investigate an incident in which staff members of U.S. Rep. Albert Wynn allegedly beat a member of a rival?s campaign.
McCrone said Wednesday that Prince George?s County State?s Attorney Glenn Ivey asked his office to intervene in the investigation of the incident, which left one man bleeding from the head.
“We?re glad to accommodate them and serve as special prosecutor in this case,” McCrone said. “When there?s a conflict in one county, it?s sometimes best to ask for the special prosecutor to avoid any appearance of impropriety.”
At issue is an Aug. 16 altercation outside a candidates? forum at Prince George?s Community College between members of Wynn?s congressional staff and a volunteer for the campaign of primary challenger Donna Edwards. Wynn, a Democrat, represents parts of Prince George?s and Montgomery counties in the 4th congressional district.
At 6:20 p.m., campus police received a call from a witness who was at the scene of the altercation, said Deidra Hill, a college spokeswoman. The police took two men away from the scene in handcuffs, and cited one for disorderly conduct, Hill said. She would not release an incident report of the altercation, nor identify anyone involved.
Edwards said her campaign worker was beaten after an altercation over the placement of campaign signs. “This was not a scuffle,” she said. “This was a beating.” She identified the victim, Larry Batie, 57, of Cheverly, as a campaign volunteer.
Wynn did not return phone calls seeking comment.
McCrone said he has not yet received a police report or charging documents about the incident.
