Suspect arrested in attempted hit-and-run

A 38-year-old Rochester Hills man has been arrested in connection with an attempted hit-and-run attempt at the Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Utica on St. Patrick’s Day evening.

Christopher James Lowe, 38, was taken into custody March 22 by Utica police.

He was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a charge which carries a potential 10-year prison sentence and/or a fine of up to $5,000. He was arraigned March 23 in 41A District Court in Shelby Township.

A Dave & Buster’s patron captured video of Lowe on a cell phone attempting to crush two other men by ramming his white GM pickup into the outside of the restaurant, narrowly missing them.

According to Utica Det. Sgt. Greg Morabito, an altercation between Lowe and two other men, both in their 20s, started minutes before inside the restaurant.

Morabito said Lowe allegedly accidently bumped into one of the men inside the restaurant, words were exchanged and the situation escalated. The incident continued outside when Lowe attempted to strike the two other men involved. After the men glanced off the vehicle and pushed themselves away, Lowe left the scene.

According to court records, Lowe has a short list of prior offenses, mainly traffic infractions, included multiple driving on a suspended license offenses.

Lowe now faces a probable cause conference April 6 at 1:30 p.m. by Zoom video conference in 41A District Court in Shelby Township, and a preliminary exam April 13 at 3 p.m.