Antoine Burton was supposed to help stop violence on Baltimore's streets. Instead, authorities say he shot a man in the back at a gas station Sunday afternoon.
Burton, 51, faces charges including attempted first-degree murder and multiple firearms violations after police say he fired twice at a 40-year-old victim outside the Sunoco gas station on the 4400 block of Park Heights Avenue. The shooting occurred following an altercation that began inside the gas station convenience store, according to the Baltimore Police Department.
Background
Surveillance footage obtained by local NBC affiliate WBAL shows the two men wrestling on the floor inside the gas station before the confrontation spilled outside. As the 40-year-old man ran away from the building, Burton—allegedly identified as the shooter—was captured following close behind in pursuit. The video then shows the pursuer raising a handgun and firing twice, striking the victim once in the leg and once in the back.
Baltimore police responded to the scene and launched an investigation into the shooting. Officers located Burton shortly afterward in the 2400 block of Loyola Northway, less than a mile from the gas station. Authorities say they apprehended him "without incident."
At the time of the shooting, Burton was employed as a violence prevention worker with Safe Streets Baltimore, a program that describes itself as an "evidence-based, public health program to reduce gun violence." Founded in 2007, the initiative focuses on community outreach, conflict mediation, and violence interruption within specific neighborhoods.
The Charges
Burton appeared in court Tuesday facing multiple charges stemming from the shooting. According to court records reviewed by Law&Crime, he is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and several firearms violations related to unlawful possession and use of a weapon.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued a statement following Burton's arrest, expressing outrage over the incident.
"I am furious," the mayor said. "Our hearts are with the victim and their family, and we join them in praying for a full recovery."
Scott called Burton's actions "a disgrace" and criticized him for failing to meet program standards.
"He has failed to live up to our standards for frontline community violence intervention staff and violated the trust that is at the very core of what makes violence intervention work overwhelmingly successful," Scott said. The mayor emphasized the shooting was an isolated incident and should not undermine the broader Safe Streets program.
Key Takeaways
- Antoine Burton, 51, a Safe Streets Baltimore violence prevention worker, allegedly shot a 40-year-old man outside a Sunoco gas station in Baltimore on June 7, 2026
- Police say he fired twice as the victim ran away, striking him once in the leg and once in the back
- Burton faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, assault, and firearms violations
- He was apprehended shortly after the shooting in the nearby 2400 block of Loyola Northway
- Safe Streets Baltimore is an evidence-based violence reduction program operating since 2007
What's Next
Burton remains in jail without bond following his initial court appearance. He is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on July 8, where prosecutors will present evidence supporting the charges against him.
The victim, whose identity has not been released publicly, was reportedly expected to recover from injuries sustained during the shooting.