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Man Who Reportedly Shot Baltimore Officer Faces A Judge

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Frantic moments Sunday night after a Baltimore police officer was shot. That officer is still recovering as his alleged shooter faces a judge.

Rochelle Ritchie has more on the suspected gunman and the desperate radio calls for help as officers rushed to the scene.

Baltimore police say the 19-year-old who they say fired those shots confessed to the crime. The officer, a three year veteran with the force, is still recovering after being shot in the abdomen.

It's a mistake that could have cost this Baltimore police officer his life after court records show a request for an arrest warrant for Donte Jones somehow slipped through the cracks.

"He's on parole, probation, has had many contacts with the police," said Deputy Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez.

The latest contact was just after 7 p.m. Sunday after a Signal 13 came across Baltimore City police radios. The victim was 27-year-old Officer Andrew Groman.

Police say Jones fired three shots and one of the bullets hit Groman.

Jones now faces charges for attempted first degree murder. An online search of Maryland court records shows Jones has been arrested for multiple gun and drug violations and, according to our media partner, the Baltimore Sun, his probation agent requested a warrant for his arrest on June 24---but that request was not received by the court.

Baltimore Police officials say this all started when an officer on foot patrol at the Gulf Gas Station smelled marijuana coming from the car in which Jones was a passenger.

"He then radioed for the vehicle to be stopped. As the vehicle left that gas station, within the block, it was stopped by a mark patrol unit," said an official.

According to the statement of probable cause, "Officer began to instruct the rear passenger, later identified as Jones, to show his hands and exit the vehicle. He did not comply and was instructed once more."

It continued, "Officer Groman deployed his Taser towards the non-compliant suspect as he withdrew a black revolver."

Officer Groman was taken to Sinai Hospital, where he is still recovering.

The judge denied bail for Jones.

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