Man Who Led HoCo Police On Chase, Fired Upon Officers Sentenced

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A 35-year-old Baltimore man has been found guilty by a Howard County jury of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, weapons violations and serious traffic offenses after firing shots at Baltimore County police officers from inside his vehicle.

On May 21, 2020, Justin Lee Buchanan was engaged in a police pursuit that started in Landsdowne. Buchanan was driving a black 2014 Acura RX in which Benjamin Lemon was a passenger. Lemon had an open arrest warrant and was suspected of being involved in a Baltimore County shooting May 19. At approximately 1:50 p.m., officers attempted to stop Buchanan but he eluded police and pursuit began that ultimately ended up in Howard County.

At approximately 2:27 p.m., multiple shots were fired from inside Buchanan's vehicle toward Baltimore County police officers. Once officers realized they were being shot at, they returned fire and sought cover. The incident ended just before 2:30 p.m. in the 5700 block of Furnace Ave. in Elkridge.

Buchanan and another passenger were shot and taken to the hospital. Lemon was uninjured and taken into custody. No officers were seriously injured during the incident. Evidence later showed Buchanan’s DNA on the firearm used in the shooting that officers found at the scene.

In 2014, Buchanan was convicted of a felony possession with intent to distribute and in 2010 was
convicted of unlawful possession of a regulated firearm. His prior convictions prohibit Buchanan from being in possession of both firearms and ammunition.

“Mr. Buchanan’s reckless and dangerous behavior in fleeing from police and then, later, firing shots at law enforcement not only endangered the lives of responding officers, but also put the community, as a whole, at risk,” State’s Attorney Rich Gibson said. “The verdict brings justice and a sense of relief to many; knowing the defendant is being held accountable for his actions and will no longer be a threat to our communities.”

Buchanan will be sentenced Oct. 8.