Man Charged in 'Brutal Attack' on Officer: Baltimore Police

A 20-year-old has been charged with attempted murder among other offenses in connection with the stabbing of a Baltimore Police officer Saturday in what officials said was a “brutal attack” that disfigured the policeman.

James Goss, of no known address, has been charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, three counts of second-degree assault, second-degree assault on law enforcement, and three counts of using a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, according to court records.

“By the grace of God, our police officer survived this brutal attack thanks to his courageous BPD partner, a brave security guard and a couple fast-thinking BPD cops who threw our police officer in their cruiser and drove him directly to shock trauma,” Interim Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said at a press conference.

Related: Baltimore Police Officer Stabbed Overnight

Police encountered a man later identified as Goss while responding to a domestic call Saturday morning at an apartment building where a security guard had dialed 911, officials said.

The guard, stationed in the lobby, heard a disturbance on the second floor and knocked on the door, at which point a man behind it said: “’Leave or I will cut you,’” Maj. Stanley Brandford said at a press conference.

Inside the apartment, Goss had punched his girlfriend and put her in a chokehold when she tried to get away, according to WBAL.

The security officer called police, who were dispatched to The Varsity, an apartment building at 30 West Biddle Street that is home to many university students, at 2:16 a.m. Saturday, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Two arriving officers saw a woman ”hunched over” upstairs and as they were on their way to her, Goss got off the elevator and “...the attack was on,” Brandford said.

Police said one officer was stabbed multiple times.

Goss ”attacked the officer pretty viciously,” Brandford said, adding the security guard was also bitten.

The suspect was taken into custody with the help of the security guard and the second officer, according to Brandford.

Preliminary investigation indicated Goss had been drinking, Brandford said.

The injured officer was not identified by name pending family notifications. Police said he was a 15-year veteran of the department who is married with a little girl.

Police said the officer was in ”serious/stable condition” at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Five knives, including a large butcher’s knife, were found at the scene, and Goss was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation, according to WBAL.

Goss is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in Baltimore City District Court on Aug. 12.

Booking photo of James Goss. Photo Credit: Baltimore Police.