A D.C. police officer once celebrated as a community leader was pulled over and detained in Prince George’s County with guns and drugs inside his car — but is only being cited for traffic violations.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed Thursday the detention of Officer Maleek Isaiah Loggins, 22, which had taken place the day before in District Heights, Maryland.
She said his police powers have been suspended as the D.C. department conducts its own investigation into the incident.
MPD said Officer Loggins worked as a patrol officer. He became a sworn officer in March 2024.
A Prince George’s County police report obtained by The Washington Times said Officer Loggins was pulled over at about 3:20 p.m. after authorities witnessed him “committing traffic violations” near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Silver Hill Road.
The report said Officer Loggins was ordered out of the car, and a search of his vehicle turned up a Glock pistol with a 10-round magazine, and a Draco handgun — which mimics the look of an AK-47 — with a 24-round magazine.
Authorities said Officer Loggins also had 27.5 grams of marijuana in his car, which falls short of the 1.5 ounce criminal threshold for marijuana possession in the state, as well as a digital scale.
The report said the MPD officer was detained, handcuffed, and processed for multiple traffic-related offenses, and then released pending further investigation.
“PGPD consulted with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office which advised the federal statute, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, allows for qualified law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in any jurisdiction,” police said in a statement to The Times.
Police said they also “consulted with the Maryland Gun Center which advised the off-duty officer was not prohibited from possessing the weapons in the state.”
Officer Loggins, who lives in Northeast, has been held up as an exemplary member of the community by city officials in the past.
A March 2024 social media post from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb mentioned that Officer Loggins had previously won his office’s “Right Direction” award.
The annual award honors D.C. residents between the ages of 14 and 24 “who have overcome significant challenges and are positively affecting the community,” according to the AG’s website.
Officer Loggins is one of over 175 recipients of the award.
“He’s a DC native, graduate of H.D. Woodson Senior High School, mentor & young leader who I’ve had the honor of speaking with on several occasions,” Mr. Schwalb wrote on X at the time during Officer Loggins’ swearing-in ceremony for Metropolitan Police.
“His achievements show what DC’s young people are capable of. Congratulations, Maleek!” the lawmaker wrote.
