Baltimore Man Charged for Hallucination-Fueled Assault Rifle Shooting

Felix Dantzler faces multiple gun charges after allegedly firing into his home during a schizophrenic episode.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single .223-caliber shell casing lying on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the evidence gathered from a mental health-related shooting incident.A single shell casing from the assault rifle firing exposes the violent escalation of a mental health crisis.Baltimore Today

A 59-year-old Baltimore man named Felix Dantzler has been charged with six gun-related offenses and one count of reckless endangerment after allegedly firing an AR-15 assault rifle inside his home in October 2025 while hallucinating an intruder. Dantzler's ex-girlfriend, who was present at the time, told police he has a history of schizophrenia and such incidents were not uncommon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of mental health, gun violence, and public safety, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to incidents involving individuals experiencing psychotic episodes. It also raises questions about firearm regulations and access for those with histories of mental illness.

The details

According to the statement of charges, Dantzler called 911 early on the morning of October 26, 2025, prompting a police response to his home on the 3000 block of Westwood Avenue in Baltimore. When officers knocked on the front door, they heard a 'loud pop noise' from inside. Dantzler's ex-girlfriend, who was locked on the second floor, then told officers that Dantzler was hallucinating an intruder and had fired a gun in the bedroom. She said Dantzler had been accusing her of inviting her boyfriend into the home, and the accusations escalated until he retrieved an AR-15 rifle and discharged it. Investigators recovered a .223-caliber shell casing from the floor next to the bed.

  • On October 26, 2025, Dantzler called 911 and police responded to his home.
  • Dantzler's trial is set to begin on July 1, 2026, with two days allotted for proceedings.

The players

Felix Dantzler

A 59-year-old Baltimore resident who has been charged with six gun-related offenses and one count of reckless endangerment after allegedly firing an AR-15 assault rifle inside his home while hallucinating an intruder. Dantzler has a history of schizophrenia.

Dantzler's ex-girlfriend

The woman who was present in Dantzler's home at the time of the incident and advised police that Dantzler has schizophrenia and such episodes were not uncommon.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Sylvester B. Cox Jr.

The judge who will preside over Dantzler's trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“She advised they had lived together for a while, and such incidents were not uncommon.”

— Dantzler's ex-girlfriend

What’s next

Dantzler's trial is set to begin on July 1, 2026, where a judge will determine the outcome of the case.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved mental health resources and crisis intervention training for law enforcement to better respond to situations involving individuals experiencing psychotic episodes. It also raises questions about firearm regulations and access for those with histories of mental illness.