Judge Orders Mental Health Evaluation for Defendant Charged with Shooting MTA Bus Driver

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A man accused of shooting a MTA bus driver last year was granted a mental health evaluation on Sept. 28 to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial.

James Grimes Jr. is charged in connection with the shooting of an MTA bus driver on the 2500 block of Washington Boulevard on March 14, 2020. Grimes allegedly shot the driver after an altercation.

After exiting the bus, Grimes allegedly turned around and shot the driver one time. The driver suffered a gunshot wound to the chest but survived.

Grimes was arrested in Ohio one month after the incident and extradited back to Baltimore.

Grimes is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm use with a felony conviction, and three other firearm-related charges.

During reception court on Tuesday, the prosecution said that Grimes’ defense attorney, Samuel Seidler, had recently entered a plea that stated his client was not criminally responsible. In return, Grimes must have a competency evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

Grimes is scheduled for reception court on Oct. 28 when the prosecution and defense will assess the results of his evaluation.