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By
Laura Flores
- January 29, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A man accused of shooting at his roommate in an argument over alcohol was denied bail and home detention instead of jail on Jan. 28.
Charles Ward, 25, is charged with first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and discharging a gun in the city limits. He is accused of allegedly shooting at the victim, who reportedly awakened Ward and attacked him with a metal object over liquor Ward consumed months prior to the incident.
“The issue with the roommate was that, according to the fact, my client had drank the last fifth of the Hennessey that belonged to the roommate,” said defense attorney Martin Cohen. Ward had compensated his roommate via Apple Pay for the alcoholic beverage, Cohen told the court.
During the hearing, Cohen argued that Ward, a lifelong Baltimore resident with no prior criminal record, opened fire at his roommate in self-defense. He requested that the court allow his client bail and detention at home, rather than in jail.
“My client is extremely confused why the roommate did this,” said Cohen, calling Ward’s roommate “psychologically unwell.”
The prosecution recommended that Ward, who fled the scene before his arrest, be held without bail.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Troy K. Hill ultimately ruled that Ward will remain in custody during the case proceedings.