Search Continues For DPW Employee Accused Of Killing Coworker

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The man who shot his coworker at a Baltimore City Department of Public Works facility remains on the loose, and police believe he's armed.

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren is learning more about the argument that started the deadly chain of events.

Police described it as some joking that had gone on for several weeks. But those who knew the suspect believe there's more to it, that he was pushed too far.

The Department of Public Works facility on North Fulton Avenue is open, but business as usual is clouded by the murder there Thursday and the manhunt for Cipisirono Cole, who'd worked for the city 25 years. He's accused of gunning down his coworker, Darrin Johnson, Jr.

"It was an isolated incident between these two," said T.J. Smith, Baltimore City Police Department.

Police spokesman T.J. Smith says the trouble between the two men started about two weeks ago.

"Simple joking or some type of just really simple argument," Smith said. "It seems to have been something where one was teasing the other."

Cole's last known address is on West Lanvale Avenue, where neighbors tell WJZ they're stunned by the news that he's a wanted man.

"Just that he was frustrated and nothing he could do and it just happened," said one neighbor. "It really is surprising to me that something like that would happen."

On Facebook, others describe the suspect as cool, nice and not the type to go out of control.

WJZ's search of court records shows Cole was charged with second-degree assault in 2008 and with acting disorderly and soliciting prostitution in the '90s--but prosecutors dropped all of those cases.

Now, he faces murder and handgun charges that could put him behind bars for life. He may still have the murder weapon.

"It took some thought to bring that gun. He didn't go home and retrieve this, he didn't go somewhere to retrieve it. He had this gun with him," Smith said.

"He is a suspected murderer," he added. "So if you're harboring him, you're guilty at this point of harboring a fugitive."

Police say they owe it to the victim's family and the public the get him off the streets.

If you know where Cole is, call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You can remain anonymous.