Man Accused of Shooting at Delivery Driver Denied Bail

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A 21-year-old Baltimore man charged with attempted murder for shooting at a delivery driver will remain incarcerated following a bail review hearing on May 3 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland.

Maarufu Allston is accused of allegedly shooting at a delivery driver multiple times after a verbal altercation on Jan. 20. The defendant, whose bail hearing was originally scheduled but postponed on April 12, is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and two counts of malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000.

Defense attorney Rodney Gray informed the court on Tuesday that his client gave a full statement to Baltimore Police Department officers, describing how he took a ride from someone to the location but did not fire a gun.

According to court documents, the suspect allegedly pulled his car up beside the delivery driver and words were exchanged. The suspect then allegedly fired a gun at the victim’s vehicle, shattering the front driver’s side and rear windows.

The defense attorney also raised concerns of Allston’s safety since his incarceration at Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center has presented safety concerns, including a dispute over medical treatment during which the defendant injured his foot and finger as well as a recent stabbing leading to Allston’s hospitalization.

The defendant returned to Central Booking after his release from the hospital, Gray said, and “his family is afraid he won’t survive there.” Gray concluded with a request to release Allston on private home detention.

The assistant state’s attorney said she disagreed with the defendant’s story of the events, saying he is a threat to public safety.

Pre-trial services noted that Allston had one prior handgun conviction in January 2021.

Allston will next appear in reception court on Aug. 9.

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