In the afternoon hours of May 4, 2022, a burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of the 500 block of North Pulaski Street in West Baltimore. When the echo of the shots faded, 34-year-old Keith T. Johnson, a Black male, was left lying in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The call to the police came in at approximately 3:08 p.m., and officers arrived to find a grim scene.
Johnson was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, but his injuries proved too severe, and he was pronounced dead.
The investigation into Johnson's death began immediately, with detectives canvassing the area for witnesses and evidence. A crucial break in the case came when a citizen flagged down a Maryland Transit Administration police officer near the West Baltimore MARC Train Station. The witness provided a description of the suspected shooter and the direction in which he had fled. This information led the MTA officer to spot a man matching the description, later identified as 35-year-old Anton Harris.
Harris, upon seeing the marked patrol vehicle, attempted to evade capture by running into a nearby wooded area. A foot pursuit involving both Baltimore Police and MTA officers ensued, culminating in Harris's apprehension. During the chase and subsequent search of the area, police recovered key evidence. A handgun was found, and a sweatshirt Harris was seen wearing was discovered turned inside out. Forensic analysis would later reveal the handgun was the weapon used to kill Johnson, and it was also covered in the victim's blood.
Anton Harris was arrested and charged with the murder of Keith T. Johnson. In February 2023, a Baltimore City judge sentenced Harris to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder and a concurrent 15 years for illegal possession of a firearm. However, the case was later re-tried following an appeal. In August 2025, a jury once again found Anton Harris guilty of second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession. He was sentenced to 40 years, with the first five years being ineligible for parole.
