A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he shot and killed another man while on the phone on a basketball court at a Maryland gym.
Nelson Ballard III was arrested Wednesday, nearly a week after the shooting at the LA Fitness store at 9450 Ruby Lockhart Boulevard in Lanham, Prince George's County police said.
Witnesses told police that on the night of April 11, Ballard and another man got into an argument during a basketball game, according to the indictment. Police said someone tried to separate the two men, but Ballard ran to a bag in the corner of the gym, then returned to the other man and told him, “I got something.'' .
Police said surveillance footage showed Ballard pulling out a gun and shooting the victim several times.
Dozens of people ran from the basketball court in fear, and Ballard jumped out, according to the indictment.
Glenarden Police Department officers responded to LA Fitness around 8:30 p.m. and found a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital, where his condition is serious but stable.
Prince George's County Police took over the investigation and detectives identified the suspect. An arrest warrant was issued the day after the shooting, and the department's fugitive unit arrested Ballard on Wednesday.
Ballard is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, weapons offenses and related charges.
Ballard has a bond hearing scheduled for Friday. It is not clear whether he still has a lawyer.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police at 301-772-8960. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit a tip online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, via the P3 Tips app or by calling 866-411-TIPS (8477).