40-Year-Old Man Pleads Guilty in Non-Fatal Drive-By Shooting

Defendant George Buettner to serve 5 years in prison after pleading guilty to reckless endangerment and gun charges

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifiable elements.A stark, gritty image of physical evidence from a drive-by shooting investigation, highlighting the harsh realities of urban gun violence.Baltimore Today

A 40-year-old Baltimore man named George Buettner has pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person in connection with a non-fatal drive-by shooting incident last September. In exchange for his plea, the state agreed to dismiss Buettner's remaining eight charges, including attempted murder. Buettner will serve roughly 5 years in prison followed by a 5-year supervised probationary period.

Why it matters

Gun violence and drive-by shootings remain a persistent public safety issue in many urban areas like Baltimore, where this incident occurred. This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting these types of crimes and the importance of plea bargaining to secure convictions, even if the original charges are reduced.

The details

According to court documents, on the evening of September 6, 2025, police responded to the 100 block of S. Dean Street in Southeast Baltimore after receiving reports of a shooting. They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower right knee. Surveillance footage showed that as the victim was walking, a silver Jeep SUV with the word 'redneck' displayed on the front window abruptly stopped next to him. The victim reportedly drew a handgun and fired at the driver, who then returned fire before fleeing the scene. Investigators later located the silver Jeep Liberty matching the description and found a bullet hole and a black Nike hoodie linked to Buettner inside the vehicle.

  • On September 6, 2025, the drive-by shooting incident occurred.
  • On April 14, 2026, Buettner pleaded guilty to the reduced charges.

The players

George Buettner

A 40-year-old Baltimore resident who pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person in connection with a non-fatal drive-by shooting incident.

Judge Anthony F. Vittoria

The Baltimore City Circuit Court judge presiding over Buettner's case.

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What they’re saying

“It is under the discretion of the officers. I'm sorry.”

— Judge Anthony F. Vittoria, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge

What’s next

Buettner will be sentenced and begin serving his 5-year prison term. Upon release, he will undergo a 5-year supervised probationary period.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in urban areas like Baltimore, where plea bargaining is often used to secure convictions even if the original charges are reduced. It underscores the importance of continued efforts to address the root causes of gun crime and improve public safety in affected communities.