Trooper ambushed during traffic stop suspect captured hours later
PIKESVILLE, MD – A routine pre-dawn traffic stop in Baltimore City turned into a gunfire ambush when a driver allegedly opened his door and fired at a Maryland State Trooper at close range before fleeing, prompting a multi-agency manhunt that ended with his arrest hours later.
Maurquise Emillo James, 22, of Baltimore, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, felony assault, using a firearm during a crime of violence and related offenses, according to Maryland State Police. He is being held without bond in Montgomery County, where he faces unrelated charges tied to another violent crime.
The shooting occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m. when a trooper assigned to the Golden Ring Barrack attempted to stop a 2009 Infiniti G37 at Belle Avenue and Milford Avenue. Authorities said the vehicle was traveling without headlights and without tags.
After pulling over at a stop sign, the driver — later identified as James — allegedly opened his door and fired two rounds at the approaching trooper before fleeing the scene. The trooper did not return fire.
The trooper was treated for injuries and later released from the hospital. He has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy.
Investigators believe James was driving the Infiniti involved in the incident. Law enforcement agencies executed court-authorized search warrants at two residences connected to him in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The Infiniti G37 was among the evidence recovered.
James was apprehended in Montgomery County at approximately 3 p.m. following coordinated intelligence sharing between state, local and federal authorities, including the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore Police Department and Montgomery County Police Department.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to contact 410-653-4200.
Key Points
- A Maryland State Trooper was shot at during a traffic stop in Baltimore City
- Maurquise Emillo James, 22, is charged with attempted first-degree murder
- The suspect was arrested in Montgomery County after a multi-agency search
