Baltimore, Maryland, January 15, 2026
The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has decided not to charge the ten Baltimore police officers involved in the death of Dontae Melton Jr. The investigation concluded their actions did not constitute a crime under state law. Melton, who was experiencing a behavioral health crisis, died after police restrained him while waiting for medical assistance that was delayed due to a dispatch system malfunction. The incident raises questions about police accountability and emergency response protocols in the city. Melton’s family plans to pursue civil litigation against the city.
Baltimore, Maryland – No Charges in Death of Dontae Melton Jr.
The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has decided not to file charges against the ten Baltimore police officers involved in the death of 31-year-old Dontae Melton Jr. in June 2025. This decision follows an investigation by the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID), which concluded that the officers did not commit a crime under Maryland law.
Details of the Incident
On June 24, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Melton approached a Baltimore Police Department officer who was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of West Franklin Street and North Franklintown Road. Melton, who was experiencing a behavioral health crisis, requested assistance from the officer. The officer called for medical assistance, but due to a malfunction in the city’s computer-aided dispatch system, emergency medical services (EMS) were not dispatched. The officer then restrained Melton, and he became unresponsive. Officers attempted to cool him by pouring water on him and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Melton’s death a homicide, citing a combination of drug intoxication, hyperthermia, and restraint as contributing factors. Cocaine and fentanyl were found in his system. However, the IID determined that the officers’ actions did not constitute a crime under Maryland law, leading to the decision not to file charges.
Reactions and Legal Actions
Melton’s family has condemned the Attorney General’s decision, expressing concerns over the delay in medical care and the malfunctioning dispatch system. They have announced plans to pursue civil litigation against the city and the police department, seeking accountability for the circumstances surrounding Melton’s death.
Background Context
This case is part of a series of investigations into police-involved deaths in Maryland. In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has declined to file charges in several such cases, including the deaths of Gabriel Omar Castillo in Baltimore in June 2025, Glenn Pettie Jr. in Baltimore County in May 2025, and Bishop Jones-Daniel in Montgomery County in May 2024. These decisions have sparked discussions about police accountability and the need for reforms in the investigation and prosecution of police-involved deaths.
Community Perspectives
The decision not to prosecute has created a complex dialogue among community members, local businesses, and policymakers. Many entrepreneurs are keenly aware of the ramifications for public safety, as they work to sustain and grow their ventures in the city. Support for small businesses is critical, especially in a climate where law enforcement’s actions are under scrutiny. The city’s ability to foster a safe environment for business development remains an ongoing concern.
Improving Emergency Services
Additionally, local leaders are calling for technological improvements to the emergency dispatch system. Investment in reliable communication and dispatch systems is vital for public safety and community trust — both of which are essential for a thriving business environment. This incident highlights the broader need for infrastructure improvements that can ultimately support Maryland’s economic growth and public welfare.
Conclusion
The decision regarding the police officers involved in the death of Dontae Melton Jr. underscores the challenges surrounding police accountability and emergency response in Baltimore. As the city grapples with these issues, a focus on community well-being and small-business vitality remains vital. Support for local entrepreneurs and reforms in emergency services could serve as a stepping stone towards a better future for Baltimore’s economy and its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the cause of Dontae Melton Jr.’s death?
- Melton’s death was ruled a homicide, caused by a combination of drug intoxication, hyperthermia, and restraint. Cocaine and fentanyl were found in his system.
- What was the Attorney General’s decision regarding the police officers involved?
- The Maryland Attorney General’s Office decided not to file charges against the ten Baltimore police officers involved in Melton’s death, concluding that their actions did not constitute a crime under Maryland law.
- How has Melton’s family responded to the decision?
- Melton’s family has condemned the Attorney General’s decision, expressing concerns over the delay in medical care and the malfunctioning dispatch system. They have announced plans to pursue civil litigation against the city and the police department.
- What is the background of the Attorney General’s decisions in similar cases?
- In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has declined to file charges in several police-involved deaths in Maryland, including those of Gabriel Omar Castillo in Baltimore in June 2025, Glenn Pettie Jr. in Baltimore County in May 2025, and Bishop Jones-Daniel in Montgomery County in May 2024. These decisions have sparked discussions about police accountability and the need for reforms in the investigation and prosecution of such cases.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 24, 2025 |
| Location | Intersection of West Franklin Street and North Franklintown Road, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Victim | Dontae Melton Jr., 31-year-old male |
| Cause of Death | Homicide due to drug intoxication, hyperthermia, and restraint; cocaine and fentanyl found in system |
| Attorney General’s Decision | No charges filed against ten Baltimore police officers; actions deemed not criminal under Maryland law |
| Family’s Response | Condemnation of decision; plans to pursue civil litigation against the city and police department |
| Background Context | Attorney General’s Office has declined charges in several police-involved deaths in Maryland, sparking discussions on police accountability and need for reforms |
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