BALTIMORE — The Independent Investigations Division of the Office of Attorney General has released its findings on a tragic shooting that took place at a Baltimore barbershop in November 2021. The incident began when Carlos David Ortega entered the shop on O’Donnell Street, immediately shooting barber Rafael Jeffers. Off-duty Sgt. David Burch, seated for a haircut, responded by drawing his personal firearm.
The chaotic scene unfolded with Ortega ordering Burch to move in Spanish, which Burch complied with, maneuvering behind Ortega. From this position, Burch retrieved his Glock Model 27 from his bag and fired six shots at Ortega within seconds of Jeffers being shot. Both Jeffers and Ortega succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
After the gunfire ceased, Burch took control of the situation, moving furniture to aid Jeffers and directing another employee to call for help. He informed the dispatcher of his status as an off-duty officer, stating he had subdued a suspect but was vigilant for potential additional threats.
Police later discovered a vehicle outside the barbershop linked to Ortega, containing bloodstained items and ammunition, suggesting Ortega’s involvement in prior violent activities that day. Earlier, Ortega had been stabbed and had retaliated by shooting another individual before arriving at the barbershop.
In July, following a review of the incident, prosecutors decided not to press charges against Sgt. Burch, deeming his actions in self-defense and defense of others justified under the circumstances.
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