Maryland AG Clears Baltimore Police in Fatal Shooting

Authorities say officers acted lawfully in January incident that left suspect dead.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:48pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny, metallic bullet casing against a dark, textured background, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a police shooting incident.A police shooting investigation exposes the grim aftermath of a violent confrontation on the streets of Baltimore.Baltimore Today

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has cleared two Baltimore police officers in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Jamari Muse. The officers, Sgt. Carlos Arias and Officer Edwin Ruiz, were involved in a January 20th incident where Muse reportedly pulled a gun and shot at them during a foot chase near an I-95 on-ramp along Eastern Avenue. Brown concluded the officers broke no laws in the shooting.

Why it matters

Police shootings, especially those involving Black suspects, have been a major source of controversy and unrest in Baltimore in recent years. This decision by the state's top law enforcement official is likely to be closely scrutinized by civil rights groups and community leaders who have pushed for greater accountability.

The details

According to the attorney general's findings, Muse was under investigation for threatening another man with a gun prior to the January 20th incident. When officers attempted to apprehend him, Muse reportedly pulled a firearm and opened fire on Sgt. Arias and Officer Ruiz, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire. The chase ended near the on-ramp to I-95 along Eastern Avenue.

  • The incident occurred on January 20, 2026.
  • Attorney General Anthony Brown announced his decision on April 14, 2026.

The players

Anthony Brown

The Attorney General of Maryland who cleared the two Baltimore police officers involved in the fatal shooting.

Sgt. Carlos Arias

One of the Baltimore police officers involved in the shooting incident.

Officer Edwin Ruiz

The other Baltimore police officer involved in the shooting incident.

Jamari Muse

The 40-year-old man who was fatally shot by the two Baltimore police officers.

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What they’re saying

“The officers acted lawfully and in accordance with their training and the law.”

— Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General

What’s next

The two officers are expected to be placed back on active duty following the attorney general's decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color in Baltimore, where police shootings have been a persistent source of controversy and distrust. The attorney general's ruling is likely to face scrutiny from civil rights advocates who have pushed for greater accountability.