Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced he will not file charges against Officer Samuel Thomas in connection with the non-fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man near Lexington Market in August. Bates said his office found no evidence of criminal conduct by Thomas and determined that the officer's actions were justified after a thorough and careful review.
What Bates Said About the Decision
Bates said there was no evidence of criminal conduct by Officer Thomas, according to WBAL News Radio. He added that his office had determined Thomas' actions were justified following the review, and he commended the Public Trust and Police Integrity Unit for its diligent work and comprehensive review of the evidence, also thanking the Baltimore Police Department for its cooperation. Bates also said he hopes the man who was shot makes a full recovery.
The man police identified as having been shot was 29-year-old Tyrik L. Braxton of Columbia, Maryland. According to the Baltimore Police Department, the encounter began on Aug. 22, 2026, when a Central District officer was conducting parking enforcement; WBAL reported the shooting occurred in the 300 block of North Eutaw Street, while the police department's account places the incident in the 200 block of North Eutaw Street.
How the Confrontation Unfolded
Police said Thomas was writing a traffic ticket when the driver allegedly assaulted him, then drove his car into the officer, pushing him onto the hood of the vehicle. The department's account states the driver accelerated forward, striking the officer and causing him to fall onto the hood. The state's attorney's office said Thomas fired three shots in self-defense during the encounter, and he survived.
Police said Thomas, a 20-year veteran of the department, was transported to an area hospital with neck and back injuries. He has since been released and was placed on routine administrative leave, per the police department's account. Baltimore police also released body camera video of the shooting, according to CBS News Baltimore.
Braxton's Condition and Next Steps
Police said Braxton was taken to an area hospital, where he remained in critical condition at the time of the department's report following the August shooting. No updated information on his condition has been confirmed since then. With Bates' decision, the state's attorney's office has closed out its review of whether criminal charges were warranted against Thomas, concluding that the officer acted in self-defense when he was struck by the vehicle.
