Teacher Served Jail Time Before Being Charged With Shooting Cop: Court

CATONSVILLE, MD — The Baltimore teacher accused of shooting a police officer recently in Catonsville was convicted of a minor gun crime before he was hired to teach at an elementary school, court records say.

Case files show that Andrew Robert Britt, 27, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to a misdemeanor charge of having a loaded handgun in a vehicle in Dorchester County. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison.

Baltimore City schools hired Britt a year later on Dec. 5, 2022. He teaches at Liberty Elementary School, but is currently on leave, the school system said. Britt is still listed on the school's staff page.

"Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is committed to fair hiring practices that provide opportunities for qualified individuals while ensuring a safe and productive work environment," school system spokesperson Sherry Christian told Patch in a Tuesday afternoon email. "After reviewing Mr. Britt's background check, we determined that it did not warrant disqualification from employment. We believe in assessing individuals based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute positively to our team."

Authorities on Monday identified Britt as the man accused of shooting an officer outside a Baltimore County police station last Thursday. The injured officer, who has served in the Baltimore County Police Department for seven years, has not been identified.

The suspect faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder among other charges, court records show.

The records say Judge Krystin J. Richardson ordered Britt held without bond on Tuesday.

"City Schools remains dedicated to fostering a workplace that upholds integrity, fairness, and second chances where appropriate. While we stand by our decision and will continue to prioritize both safety and opportunity in our hiring practices, we also acknowledge the seriousness of the charges against Mr. Britt and are collaborating with law enforcement," Christian said.

The officer who was shot was released from the hospital on Sunday.

Authorities on Saturday identified the officers who returned fire and shot the suspect multiple times in the lower body. The Baltimore County Police Department said those officers are Officers Smith and Wright. Authorities did not provide their first names.

Smith has 25 years of service, and Wright has two years. Both work in the Operations Bureau.

Police said they placed Smith and Wright on administrative leave while the investigation continues. This is normal protocol for officer-involved shootings.

The wounded officer was discharged from the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore to a line of saluting law enforcement members. A video of the scene is posted here.

Chief Robert McCullough thanked officers for their service and Dr. Thomas Scalea for his care.

"We're grateful to the men and women, the law enforcement across this state, in this region and in Baltimore County for what they do every day to serve the citizens of this region. We're also grateful to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma and Dr. Scalea for taking great care of our officer, and as you see tremendous care that they provided him. He's gone home in four days," McCullough said at a Sunday afternoon press conference.

Police said the shooting happened Thursday around 2:30 p.m. during a shift change at the Wilkens Precinct. The police station at 901 Walker Ave. is located near the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

McCullough said the suspect entered the precinct lobby, spoke with the desk officers and left the building. He then went around the side of the station and talked with an officer filling up at the gas pump.

The chief said the gunman walked away from the officer at the pump, before turning back, this time with a handgun.

McCullough said the suspect then "fired several shots at that officer."

Authorities said two other officers, including the officer who was shot, were in the parking lot during the shooting.

The press release said the wounded officer was shot while standing outside his vehicle.

Related:

• Baltimore Teacher Is Catonsville Officer Shooting Suspect: Report
• Officer Shooting Suspect IDed Day After Wounded Cop Leaves Hospital
• Charges Pending After Officer Shot, Officers Who Returned Fire Placed On Leave
• Officer Shot Outside Catonsville Police Station Near UMBC

This map shows the station where police said the shooting happened.