Baltimore, MD – According to WMAR 2 News, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office released an investigative report on Tuesday detailing its decision not to pursue criminal charges against three Baltimore Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting of a local Arabber in June. The incident, which occurred in Baltimore’s West Baltimore neighborhood, has drawn significant attention from community advocates and law enforcement officials alike.
The report, issued by Attorney General Anthony Brown, examined the circumstances surrounding the death of 52-year-old Gregory Lee Jr., a longtime Arabber known for operating a horse-drawn cart in the city. On June 15, officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. According to the findings, Lee was confronted by police after allegedly brandishing a knife during the encounter. The officers, identified as Officers Michael Mills, Sarah Jenkins, and David Patel, fired a total of 12 rounds, striking Lee multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical intervention.
Investigators determined that the officers’ actions were justified under Maryland law, citing the imminent threat posed by Lee’s possession of the weapon. Body camera footage and witness statements reviewed in the report showed that Lee advanced toward the officers while ignoring repeated commands to drop the knife. The Attorney General’s Office concluded that the use of deadly force was reasonable given the perceived danger to the officers and bystanders in the densely populated area.
“After a thorough review of all available evidence, including video recordings, forensic analysis, and interviews with over 20 witnesses, we find no basis for criminal prosecution,” the report stated. It emphasized that the officers followed departmental protocols and that no excessive force was employed beyond what was necessary to neutralize the threat.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within Baltimore’s community. Arabber preservation groups, such as the Baltimore Arabbers and Vendors Association, expressed disappointment, arguing that the incident highlights ongoing tensions between police and the city’s traditional street vendors. Association president Tyrone Littlefield called for enhanced training on de-escalation tactics specific to cultural practices like Arabber work. “These men are part of our history; they shouldn’t be treated like threats,” Littlefield said in a statement.
On the other hand, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, representing Baltimore officers, welcomed the outcome. “This vindicates our members who put their lives on the line daily,” said union representative Kevin Moore. The lodge noted that the shooting was the third officer-involved fatality in Baltimore that year, underscoring the high-risk nature of policing in urban environments.
The report also recommended policy changes, including mandatory cultural sensitivity training for officers interacting with Arabber communities and improved communication protocols during street-level encounters. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley announced that the department would implement these suggestions immediately, aiming to rebuild trust with affected neighborhoods.
This case adds to a series of high-profile police shootings in Maryland, prompting broader discussions on accountability and reform. Statistical data from the report indicates that officer-involved shootings in Baltimore decreased by 15% in 2025 compared to the previous year, attributed to recent training initiatives. An example cited was a similar de-escalation success in a May incident in East Baltimore, where officers resolved a knife threat without gunfire.
As investigations continue into related civil matters, the Attorney General’s decision closes the criminal chapter of this tragic event, leaving room for community dialogue on police practices.
For more information, visit WMAR 2 News.