Man Wanted for Shooting Baltimore Police Officer Taken into Custody

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Baltimore police arrested Christopher Leigh, 44, on charges related to allegedly shooting an off-duty officer during an incident near Clifton Park, according to a statement from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). The suspect was taken into custody following the July 13 altercation, which occurred as the officer attempted to intervene in a reported harassment situation involving a woman at a private gathering.

The shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. on July 13, when Officer Joshua Moody, 32, was reportedly assisting a woman who had been targeted by a group at a party, according to WMAR, which first reported the incident. Moody, who was not wearing his uniform at the time, was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, BPD confirmed. A BPD spokesperson stated the officer was “in stable condition” and expected to recover.

Leigh, who has a prior arrest record including a 2018 conviction for assault, was taken into custody without incident shortly after the shooting, according to BPD. Authorities identified him as the primary suspect in the case, though no formal charges have been filed yet. A BPD investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the shooting, including whether Leigh was armed with a firearm at the time.

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Incident Details and Officer’s Role
The incident unfolded near Clifton Park, a popular recreational area in southeast Baltimore, where a private party was underway. Witnesses reported that Officer Moody arrived on the scene after being alerted to a dispute involving a woman being harassed by a group of individuals, WMAR reported. According to a BPD statement, Moody “intervened to ensure the safety of the individual and de-escalate the situation” before being shot.

A BPD spokesperson emphasized that Moody was “not in uniform and not on duty” at the time of the shooting, though he was “in his capacity as a citizen” when the incident occurred. The department has not released a timeline of events but confirmed that the officer was treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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Suspect’s Background and Legal History
Christopher Leigh’s arrest follows a prior criminal record that includes a 2018 charge of assault and a 2021 conviction for disorderly conduct, according to court records. Local law enforcement sources told WMAR that Leigh had no known history of firearm-related offenses, though investigators are reviewing his background for potential connections to the case.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office has not yet announced formal charges against Leigh, but a spokesperson stated the case is “under active review.” A BPD official declined to comment on the suspect’s alleged motive, citing the ongoing investigation.

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Community and Official Reactions
The shooting has sparked discussions about off-duty officers’ roles in public safety. BPD Chief Darryl DeSousa issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the incident, noting that officers “must balance their duty to protect with the risks inherent in their personal time.” The department has not yet released details about Moody’s current status or plans for his return to duty.

Local residents near Clifton Park described the area as “typically quiet,” with one neighbor telling WMAR, “It’s unsettling to think something like this could happen here.” Community leaders have called for increased safety measures at private gatherings, though no official proposals have been announced.

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Next Steps in the Investigation
BPD officials said detectives are interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the area to reconstruct the events of July 13. A spokesperson added that the department is cooperating with the Maryland State Police’s crime lab to analyze evidence, including any potential firearms recovered at the scene.

Leigh is currently held at the Baltimore City Detention Center. A court date has not been scheduled, but officials indicated the case will be prioritized due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer.

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Background on Similar Incidents
This incident marks the second time in 2026 that a Baltimore police officer has been targeted in a non-duty-related shooting. In March, Officer Maria Alvarez was injured during a confrontation at a downtown bar, though no arrests were made in that case. BPD has not commented on whether the two incidents are being investigated as related.

The department has faced scrutiny in recent years over officer safety, with a 2024 report by the Baltimore Sun highlighting a 15% increase in attacks on officers since 2020. Critics have called for more resources to protect officers during their off-duty hours, though no legislative changes have been proposed.

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Support Resources
For individuals affected by violence or trauma, the Baltimore Crisis Intervention Center offers 24/7 support at (410) 528-4444. Additional mental health resources are available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI.

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“Officer Moody’s actions exemplify the dedication of our officers, even outside of their official duties,” said BPD Chief Darryl DeSousa. “We are committed to ensuring his recovery and pursuing justice for this attack.”Source
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“Christopher Leigh’s arrest is a critical step in understanding what happened,” said a BPD spokesperson. “We urge anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.”Source