Watch CBS News

Man Arrested In Shooting Death Of Marine In Md.

BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) -- Baltimore police have made an arrest in the slaying of a U.S. Marine who was shot to death while partying with fellow Marines at an after-hours club.

Mike Hellgren reports Sgt. Chase Love was shot several times in July at a hookah lounge on East Baltimore Street. Love was 26 and a native of New Orleans.

Police say Ronald Johnson, 18, was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with first-degree murder in Love's death. Charging documents show Love and Johnson got into a fight. Love shoved Johnson, who police say pulled a handgun and shot the Marine.

Investigators tell WJZ Johnson used a semi-automatic handgun to shoot Love over and over again.  Johnson then fled on foot.

Love, a father, was visiting Baltimore with a friend before heading back to Afghanistan.

"It is a senseless killing.  Unfortunately, we don't have the information on what the root cause of the altercation was at this time," said Detective Kevin Brown, Baltimore City Police.

Police say they showed a photo array to several witnesses, each of whom identified Johnson as the man they saw shoot Love.

According to charging documents, "The identities of the witnesses will not be revealed at this stage out of concern for their safety. However, they will be made available for all court proceedings."

"This is due to the tireless efforts of our homicide detectives working in conjunction with our warrant apprehension task force officers," said Brown.

Police arrested Johnson on North Montford Avenue.  It's not clear if Johnson has an attorney.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.