An aggravated assault unit sergeant with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) testified on May 22 about surveillance footage that showed a suspect vehicle driving near the scene of a non-fatal shooting before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Nicole K. Barmore.
Chardon A. Cruz III, 32, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and three separate firearm offenses in relation to the June 30, 2024 non-fatal shooting incident.
During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution presented footage of a surveillance camera outside a liquor store near the 2500 block of Washington Boulevard, where the shooting occurred.
The footage captured two cars turning onto Washington Boulevard prior to the shooting. One of the cars, which was left in a Royal Farms parking lot near the crime scene, was said to be retrieved by Cruz.
In addition to the store footage, the sergeant’s body camera footage of the crime scene showed a bullet-struck car door and two bullet shellcasings in a nearby alley where police responded on Washington Boulevard.
The prosecution also showed footage of an interview with Cruz on July 2.
During the interview, Cruz denied any involvement in the shooting, stating, “I didn’t shoot anybody,” and “I don’t even own a firearm.”
To give extra time for counsel to review evidence, the trial was extended by an extra day. It was scheduled to proceed on May 23.
