Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Allen Johnson, age 35, of Baltimore City, Maryland, on charges relating to his possession of a firearm that discharged while Baltimore City Police Officers were placing him into custody.  Johnson was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time because he had sustained at least one previous felony conviction.  The indictment charges Johnson with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Darryl D. De Sousa of the Baltimore City Police Department.

On November 29, 2017, officers of the Baltimore City Police Department received information that Johnson was in the 800 block of Bridgeview Avenue in Baltimore City and was armed with a firearm hidden in his waistband.  Police officers responded to the 800 block of Bridgeview Avenue and observed Johnson.  Officers approached Johnson and asked him if he was in possession of a firearm.  Johnson then turned away from the officers and reached for his waistband.  One of the officers grabbed Johnson from behind as Johnson continued to reach for his waistband.  The police officer wrestled Johnson to the ground and, during the struggle, the firearm that was in Johnson’s possession discharged, striking the police officer in his right hand.  Other officers were able to utilize Taser devices to subdue Johnson and place him under arrest.  Subsequent to his arrest, Johnson was searched and police officers retrieved numerous vials of narcotics.  The injured police officer was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and Baltimore City Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr. and Patricia C. McLane, who are prosecuting this case.

###