Man Arrested After Shooting at Maryland State Trooper

Suspect Maurquise Emillo James accused of firing at trooper during traffic stop in Baltimore

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 22-year-old Baltimore man named Maurquise Emillo James has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, felony assault, and gun-related offenses after allegedly firing a shot at a Maryland state trooper during a traffic stop in Northwest Baltimore. The trooper was not shot but suffered minor injuries from powder burns. James is also a suspect in a separate fatal shooting at an assisted living facility earlier this month.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face on the job and the need for thorough investigations into violent crimes against public servants. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.

The details

According to police, the trooper stopped James' gray 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan around 3:30 a.m. for multiple violations, including driving without headlights or license plates. When the trooper approached the driver's side, James allegedly opened the door slightly and shot at the officer, who did not return fire. James then fled the scene, but was later arrested in Montgomery County. The trooper was treated for minor injuries from powder burns but was not shot.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • James was arrested around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The trooper had joined the Maryland State Police exactly one year prior to this incident.

The players

Maurquise Emillo James

A 22-year-old Baltimore resident who has been charged with attempted murder, felony assault, and gun-related offenses for allegedly shooting at a Maryland state trooper during a traffic stop.

Maryland State Trooper

The law enforcement officer who was shot at during the traffic stop but suffered only minor injuries from powder burns and was not struck by the bullet.

Robert Fuller Jr.

An 87-year-old man who was killed in a shooting at an assisted living facility on February 14, 2026, for which James is also a suspect.

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What they’re saying

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with our trooper. His family and his colleagues. This was a deliberate, violent act on one of our own. Today we are thankful. Very, very thankful that our Maryland state trooper, who is working to protect the people of our state, is safe, is still with us.”

— Col. Michael A. Jackson, Maryland State Police Acting Superintendent (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow James to be released on bail as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks law enforcement officers face in their duties to protect the public, and the need for robust public safety measures and accountability to keep dangerous individuals off the streets and prevent further violence against those who serve the community.