The suspect charged in connection with a shooting last week that injured a Baltimore County Police officer is a teacher at Liberty Elementary School, according to a Baltimore City Schools spokesperson.

Andrew Robert Britt, 27, faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, for what police believe was a “premeditated” shooting outside the Wilkens police precinct near the University of Maryland Baltimore County campus.

Despite having been convicted of a firearms charge in 2021, Britt was hired as a teacher at Liberty Elementary School on Dec. 5, 2022. He is currently on leave, according to the spokesperson.

Britt pleaded guilty in the District Court of Maryland for Dorchester County in November 2021 for having a loaded handgun in a vehicle. He was sentenced to three years with all but 30 days suspended and three years of supervised probation, according to court records. School system investigators conducted a criminal record check of Britt as part of the hiring process and found that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm in the state of Maryland because of the previous conviction.

“Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is committed to fair hiring practices that provide opportunities for qualified individuals while ensuring a safe and productive work environment,” the school system said in a statement. “After reviewing Mr. Britt’s background check, we determined that it did not warrant disqualification from employment. We believe in assessing individuals based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute positively to our team.

“City Schools remains dedicated to fostering a workplace that upholds integrity, fairness, and second chances where appropriate. While we stand by our decision and will continue to prioritize both safety and opportunity in our hiring practices, we also acknowledge the seriousness of the charges against Mr. Britt and are collaborating with law enforcement.”

Britt, of Baltimore, was charged Monday in connection with the shooting Thursday that injured the Baltimore County Police officer identified as Officer J. Riddick.

In Maryland, attempted first-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Britt, a resident of the Windsor Hills neighborhood in West Baltimore, was also charged with first-degree assault, illegal possession of a regulated firearm and firearm use in a felony or violent crime.

Police said Britt was shot in the lower body as he and officers exchanged gunfire. A bail review hearing was postponed Tuesday due to his ongoing treatment at the University of Maryland’s R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 11 at 9 a.m., according to court records.

Video surveillance of the shooting shows that Britt walked into the lobby area of the Wilkens precinct and had a brief conversation with the desk officer through a glass window, according to charging documents. After a few minutes, Britt allegedly walked out the front door and went toward the precinct’s adjacent parking lot.

Once at the edge of the parking lot, Britt reportedly made verbal contact with an officer, identified as B. Smith, who was fueling his police vehicle. Britt then produced a handgun and fired at Smith, charging documents say.

Smith then drew his service weapon and sought cover behind a police car before returning fire. Britt continued to walk toward Smith with his handgun, while Riddick and Officer J. Wright also drew their weapons. Britt walked farther toward all three officers and onto a grassy hill attached to the parking lot. Britt then shot Riddick and pointed his gun toward Wright, but then collapsed to the ground from the gunshot wounds, according to charging documents.

Police found Riddick suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The officers also located Britt suffering from gunshot wounds to his legs. A .32 revolver with three spent cartridge casings and three live rounds of ammunition were found near Britt, who was later listed in critical but stable condition.

Riddick was released Sunday afternoon from Shock Trauma after undergoing surgery, according to the department’s chief, Robert McCullough.

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