Safe Streets worker denied bail in shooting case, prosecutors to seek enhanced penalty

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A Baltimore Safe Streets violence interrupter accused of shooting a man outside a Park Heights gas station will remain in custody as prosecutors pursue a case that includes attempted murder charges and allegations that he possessed a stolen firearm.

Antoine Burton, 51, was denied release during a bail review hearing Tuesday after being charged in connection with a June 7 shooting outside a Sunoco gas station in the 4400 block of Park Heights Avenue.

According to charging documents, Burton faces nearly a dozen charges, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of ammunition, and multiple handgun-related offenses.

Investigators say surveillance footage from the gas station captured the shooting. The video, obtained by FOX45 News, appears to show a man walking out of the store before the suspected gunman follows behind, pulls out a handgun and fires multiple shots. The footage then appears to show the shooter turning around and walking back into the store.

Court records state that detectives used surveillance footage and information from a confidential informant to identify Burton as the suspect. At the time of the shooting, Burton was employed as a violence interrupter with Safe Streets at the Belvedere location.

Burton typically works Tuesday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., according to a Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, or MONSE, and was not on duty at the time of the Sunday incident.

According to police, detectives later conducted surveillance at Burton’s apartment building; charging documents allege officers observed Burton, detained him, and recovered a 9mm handgun loaded with six live rounds.

Investigators say Burton waived his Miranda rights and admitted he had an altercation with the victim before the shooting. Police further allege Burton told detectives that the firearm recovered during his arrest was the same gun used in the incident and that he discarded the clothing he wore during the shooting after returning home. Investigators later executed a search warrant and recovered clothing matching what was seen in surveillance footage, according to court records.

Authorities also allege the handgun recovered from Burton had been reported stolen through the Martinsburg Police Department in West Virginia. Court documents state the firearm’s serial number was entered into a law enforcement database and returned as stolen.

Burton’s criminal history stretches back more than three decades. Court records cite prior convictions that include robbery with a dangerous and deadly weapon, escape from confinement, drug distribution-related offenses, attempted second-degree murder, and first-degree assault. Prosecutors also referenced Burton’s federal criminal history during the bail hearing.

Federal court records reviewed by FOX45 show Burton previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so because of prior felony convictions. In 2020, he was federally indicted on charges involving a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.

During the bail hearing, a public defender representing Burton at the time indicated to the judge that there is a defense, though the attorney did not elaborate.

The case also raised questions about oversight of Safe Streets employees, whose role is to help prevent violence in Baltimore communities.

FOX45 asked MONSE whether Safe Streets workers are prohibited from carrying weapons while working and what safeguards are in place to ensure compliance.

In response, a MONSE spokesperson stated that carrying a firearm while working would violate the Safe Streets model and could constitute gross misconduct under policies administered through LifeBridge Health and Catholic Charities.

“Any Safe Streets, MONSE employee, or City worker who knowingly breaks the law should and will be held accountable,” the spokesperson said. “Furthermore, the possession of an illegal firearm not only breaks the law but is completely unacceptable for someone engaged in violence intervention work that requires the highest levels of integrity.”

Burton remains on leave without pay pending the investigation, per LIfeBridge Health’s policy.

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