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By
Jamiya Austin
- April 9, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Shooting
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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland scheduled a two-day jury trial for shootout defendant Carlos Freeman, 43, after he rejected a plea offer on April 9.
Freeman is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, reckless endangerment, and several other firearm-related charges. Freeman was allegedly involved in a nonfatal shooting incident that occurred on Nov. 17, 2024, at Brother’s Pizza in the 400 block of W. Saratoga Street. Responding officers located a victim, later identified as Freeman, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh.
Video surveillance footage recovered from inside Brother’s Pizza allegedly captured Freeman entering the establishment and placing an order. Shortly after, a man wearing blue pants with a white stripe down the legs, a black puffer jacket, white sneakers, and a skull cap entered and allegedly pointed a gun at Freeman, demanding his belongings. The suspect was later identified as Robert Hardy, 39.
When Freeman attempted to leave the establishment, Hardy appeared to pistol-whip him and follow him onto the street. Upon exiting, he immediately turned his back on Freeman and walked across the street toward Jasper Alley. Noticing this, Freeman allegedly fired one round toward Hardy. Hardy fired back, wounding Freeman.
Officers identified Freeman via his Maryland state ID card, which was photographed while investigating the crime scene.
After rejecting the prosecution’s offer, Freeman is set to return to court June 26 for a two-day jury trial before Judge Levi S. Zaslow.