Attorney: Man facing battery charges after scuffle with MPD officers 'doesn't remember hardly anything'

MILWAUKEE -- Demetrious Lowe, 25, has been criminally charged following a scuffle between four Milwaukee police officers on Wednesday, May 2 near 51st and Capitol. Lowe is facing three counts of battery to law enforcement officer. He is being held on more than $12,000 bail. As he made his first appearance in court on Monday, May 7 -- we learned he doesn't remember the incident.

Lowe's attorney said Lowe was acting up because of evil spirits and doesn't recall the scuffle that landed him in the hospital. A competency examination was ordered. Despite earlier reports that someone put something into Lowe's drink, Lowe's attorney said he attributes his actions to some sort of mental illness.

"I do have reason to doubt Mr. Lowe's competency. He said he saw evil spirits that forced him to be walking down the street. He doesn't remember hardly anything," his attorney said.

His attorney said the mental illness began about two to three weeks ago.

"I feel police knew he had mental issues and problems," his attorney said.

Lowe was taken into custody on Saturday, May 5 -- after he was taken to the hospital following his arrest. His family said he had several surgeries since the incident and suffered injuries to his ribs, shoulder and neck. They said they fear him being held in jail isn't good for his physical or mental well-being.

According to the criminal complaint, police were originally called to the neighborhood around 6:30 p.m. following a report that a man who was suffering from a mental health episode, had become violent toward relatives as well as other residents. Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said a caller stated the man had kicked her door in, and indicated she was hiding behind a car. She said he had not been acting normally since the weekend, and she believed someone put something in his drink.

When police arrived on scene, they located Lowe walking in the area of 51st and Capitol --  not far from the original address of the service call. Officers attempted to speak with him, but he responded incoherently, repeatedly stating "I'm King James," and he refused to cooperate with the officers’ commands. When officers attempted to arrest him, he assumed a fighting stance and actively fought with officers.

The complaint indicates one officer deployed his "O.C. spray" --  but this had no effect on Lowe. Lowe allegedly then punched this officer in the face -- knocking him backward into the street. The officer suffered what was described in the complaint as "a broken mustache bone."

At that time, three other officers surrounded Lowe and delivered baton strikes to no avail. Lowe then punched another officer -- knocking him to the ground. Another officer responded to the scene and positioned himself behind Lowe. The complaint indicates Lowe struck that officer in the face -- knocking him backwards.

The complaint indicates another officer suffered a thumb sprain during the struggle with Lowe.

After several minutes, Lowe was eventually taken into custody. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries and for a mental health evaluation, police said.

Police said the following about the four officers who were injured during the incident:

Three Milwaukee police officers were placed on administrative duty, and a fourth was placed on administrative suspension after the arrest.

We've learned this isn't the first time Lowe has been in trouble with the law. In 2012, after arguing with the mother of his child and her family members about child support, prosecutors say he punched and beat up the woman's sister and her father. He pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor battery and one count of misdemeanor criminal damage to property. He was sentenced to 18 months probation.

He's due back in court on May 29 for the return of the doctor's report in the latest case filed against him.

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