The Ravens fan who was caught on video brutally attacking two Washington Commanders fans on October 13 has been denied bail as his legal troubles intensify. John Callis, 24, turned himself in to Baltimore police earlier this week, facing charges of first-degree aggravated assault and second-degree assault after the violent incident went viral.
Callis’ defense attorney, Brian Thompson, argued in court for Callis to be released into an outpatient rehabilitation program, citing his “yearslong cocaine addiction and alcoholism” as contributing factors to his behavior, according to The Baltimore Sun. Thompson emphasized that Callis needed help, not jail time, for his substance abuse issues.
However, the prosecution, led by State’s Attorney Twila Driggins, strongly opposed the bail request. Driggins described Callis as a threat to public safety and argued that he posed a potential flight risk, noting that he resides in Florida. She also highlighted Callis’ prior arrests and probation history as evidence of his disregard for the law. Driggins pointed out that the two 23-year-old Commanders fans who were attacked in the viral video were “humiliated” by the incident and expressed concerns for their safety should Callis be released.
Baltimore District Court Judge LaTina Burse Greene ultimately sided with the prosecution and denied bail for Callis, citing the need to protect public safety. However, the judge left open the possibility of modifying her decision if Callis could be placed in an inpatient rehabilitation program that included 24/7 GPS monitoring and house arrest.
Outside the courtroom, Thompson spoke to reporters from WJZ, expressing disappointment over the bail ruling. “I don’t believe this is a first-degree assault. I think it’s a second-degree assault. First-degree assault requires serious bodily injury,” Thompson argued.
He also lamented that Callis wasn’t granted the opportunity to enter the OnePromise rehabilitation facility, saying, “Of course, it’s disappointing. I think he needs help. The criminal justice system is both designed to punish and rehabilitate. He’s a 24-year-old kid. He clearly has a problem. He needs help.”
The viral video in question shows Callis approaching two unsuspecting Commanders fans after the Ravens’ 30-23 victory over Washington. In a shocking display of violence, Callis is seen punching, kicking, and slamming the two men without provocation. At one point, he yells into a bystander’s phone camera, “I don’t lose! I don’t f—ing lose!” as he continues the assault.
Further complicating his legal situation, it was reported by Fox 5 in DC that Callis had previously been arrested in Florida following an altercation with a police officer, for which he received probation. This history, combined with his actions in Baltimore, has raised concerns about his pattern of behavior.
If convicted of all the charges stemming from the Baltimore assault, Callis could face up to 55 years in prison. The case has not only drawn significant media attention due to the viral nature of the video but also sparked a broader discussion about violence at sporting events and the intersection of substance abuse and criminal behavior.
For now, Callis remains in custody as his legal team continues to explore options for rehabilitation, but the gravity of the charges he faces casts a long shadow over his future.