Trial Set For Alleged Bus Driver Shooter Pending Competency Eval

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A trial was set for a man who allegedly shot a MTA bus driver, pending his competency evaluation.

James Grimes Jr., 27, is charged in connection with the shooting of an MTA bus driver on the 2500 block of Washington Boulevard on March 14, 2020. Grimes allegedly shot the driver after an altercation.

After exiting the bus, Grimes allegedly turned around and shot the driver one time. The driver suffered a gunshot wound to the chest but survived.

Grimes was arrested in Ohio one month after the incident and extradited back to Baltimore. He is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm use with a felony conviction, and three other firearm-related charges.

During reception court on Oct. 28, the prosecution relayed a plea offer to Grimes’ defense attorney, Samuel Seidler, of 35 years, suspending all but 20 years, for first-degree attempted murder, and five years without the possibility of parole for use of a handgun in the commission of a crime.

This plea was not further discussed as Grimes is pending a mental health evaluation. It will be determined if he is competent to stand trial during a hearing on Dec. 8.

Counsel agreed to set a trial date for March 16, 2022, if Grimes is found mentally competent.