Defendant Claims Self-Defense When Gun Fires in ‘Accidental Discharge’ After Bar Argument

By Andrew Michaels - October 3, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

A non-fatal shooting outside downtown Baltimore’s the Place Lounge earlier this year was “an accidental discharge,” according to defense counsel at the start of defendant Michael Breckenridge’s trial on assault charges.

On Oct. 3, defense attorney Roya Hanna said the victim was “loud and boisterous” as he celebrated Founder’s Day with other members of his fraternity at the bar on the 300 block of W. Franklin Street on Jan. 15.

Breckenridge was also at the bar with a friend. When the defendant’s friend went to the restroom, Hanna explained, the victim asked Breckenridge “what her deal was,” inquiring about the friend’s relationship status.

“Some people can’t hold their liquor,” Hanna said, as she told the jury how the victim repeatedly got in the defendant’s face for an answer, while Breckenridge moved away.

The victim allegedly continued calling the defendant names and making threats, but the argument was broken up by the bar owner. Breckenridge then went to his car where he waited to make sure his friend got to her car safely.

When the victim approached and continued the confrontation, Hanna said Breckenridge—who had a wear and carry permit—hit the victim in the head with his gun, which remained inside a holster. The gun discharged and the victim was shot in his shoulder.

The defense attorney said Breckenridge turned himself, his gun and shattered holster into the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) that day.

Although Breckenridge was arrested and charged, Hanna said BPD’s report noted the victim’s “political connections.” Defense counsel alluded this was the reason they let him go after the shooting, despite the fact he allegedly started the fight, was intoxicated and had liquor in his car.

During the trial, the defense attorney said she will argue Breckenridge hit the victim in self-defense.

“Neither of them acted like adults in this situation,” the prosecutor said earlier in the proceedings.

The prosecution plans to pursue the first and second-degree assault charges against Breckenridge as well as firearm use in a felony or violent crime, reckless endangerment and firing a gun in Baltimore City.

The trial is expected to continued on Oct. 4 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn S. Mays.