A Baltimore man received a federal prison sentence Thursday in connection with an attempted drive-by shooting.
James Beverly Jr. received a 54-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with the East Baltimore shootout.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Beverly was standing on a corner in East Baltimore in February 2024 with his jacket and pants pockets full of fentanyl and cocaine base prepared for distribution.
He also carried a loaded semi-automatic weapon with him. He cannot legally own a firearm due to prior felony convictions for first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder, according to officials.
A dark-colored SUV would ultimately arrive near Beverly. The passenger began shooting at him, approximately ten shots. Beverly collapsed and remained on the ground as the shooter fired additional bullets.
When the firing stopped and the SUV began to drive away, Beverly began shooting back. Beverly fired 11 shots at the SUV after he stopped being shot at, according to surveillance footage.
Beverly hurled the gun into a nearby deli. Baltimore police eventually arrested him. They would find narcotics and money on him, as well as the gun he flung into the deli.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentencing with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
“Drive-by shootings create fear, violence, and instability in our neighborhoods,” Hayes stated. “Beverly showed reckless disdain for human life, and today’s sentencing holds him accountable. Importantly, because this is a federal punishment, there is no chance of parole. Our office remains dedicated to safeguarding our communities from violent offenders such as Beverly.
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