Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Dana M. Middleton ruled on April 7 that 28-year-old Omar Williams be held without bail despite defense attorney Alex Benedict Leikus’ arguments that the evidence against his client was insufficient to prove his guilt.
Williams faces two counts of second-degree assault and three gun offenses for allegedly shooting at his girlfriend following a Jan. 17 dispute in Charles Village. Charging documents state Williams believed his girlfriend had swapped his marijuana with a weaker strain, leading him to chase her and aggressively grab her on the 100 block of W 29th Street.
Officers responded to the scene and met with the victim, who told them Williams attacked her after she visited the property to retrieve some personal belongings. She said the struggle caused her to fall, and that Williams grabbed her phone before a bystander intervened, prompting him to drop the device and flee the scene.
During the incident, the victim reportedly heard a loud “bang” and allegedly saw Williams place a small firearm in his waistband. Officers noted that the victim appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, and that she gave inconsistent accounts of the incident.
Due to the camera angle, investigators were unable to determine whether Williams brandished or discharged a firearm. No shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Leikus requested that Williams be released on bail and home detention, emphasizing the lack of ballistic evidence against his client. The victim, he added, was found without visible injuries.
The state argued that Williams should remain in jail without bail, noting the victim previously disclosed concerns for her safety.
Judge Middleton denied bail, agreeing with the state that Williams poses a danger to the victim, and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending trial.
Williams is now set to receive a trial date during a reception court hearing on April 27.
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