Judge Releases Man Accused of Firing Gun in Air After Tow Company Damages Vehicle

By Andrew Michaels - January 3, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

A 38-year-old man accused of firing a handgun in the air during a confrontation with two tow truck exployees was released on home detention on Dec. 28 in Baltimore City Circuit Court.

The day before his release, Baltimore resident Kenneth Ellis appeared before Judge Charles H. Dorsey III for a bail review hearing. Judge Dorsey initially denied Ellis’ bail pending a home detention acceptance form; however, the defendant was released the following day.

According to court documents, Ellis got into an argument with two tow truck employees on Nov. 17, 2023, when the defendant called the towing service to have his GMC SUV towed from the 1300 block of Dartmouth Avenue to his residence on the 5900 block of Bertram Avenue. The tow company employees told Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers that when they arrived at Ellis’ residence, the defendant became upset after seeing damage to one of his rear tires.

Ellis allegedly demanded the men pay for the damage and the victims gave the defendant $50. Moments later, Ellis pulled out two black handguns from the back of a nearby Lexus and fired three shots in the air, telling the victims, “You better get the f*** out of here.”

The victims ran away and called police, who arrested Ellis without incident a short time later. Three 9mm shell casings were recovered from the scene.

Ellis is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on Jan. 12. He is currently charged with two counts each of second-degree assault, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun in a vehicle and having a loaded handgun in a vehicle as well as single counts of firing a gun in Baltimore City and possession of a firearm without a serial number.