Crime & Safety

Man Allegedly Pulls Gun During Argument About iPhone

Wardell Blackwell, 22, is accused of barricading himself in his apartment before being arrested.

A Better Waverly man is accused of threatening a woman with a handgun and then barricading himself in a house following an argument about an iPhone. 

According to Baltimore police, at 11:05 a.m., April 9, Wardell Blackwell, 22, was fighting with a woman about a cellphone in the 700 block of E. 30th Street when he allegedly pulled out a .44-caliber revolver.

He then reportedly pointed the gun at the woman who ran from the house and called the police.

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Sgt. J. Eric Kowalcyzk, a police spokesman, said Blackwell went back inside his apartment following the argument, and that police arrived, surrounded and secured the scene. 

He said Blackwell eventually called his mother, told her that he wanted to surrender, and she notified police. He then came out of the house and gave himself up without incident after a three-and-a-half hour standoff. 

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According to electronic court records, Blackwell has been charged with using a firearm during a violent crime, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Blackwell was also wanted on three outstanding warrants for drug and assault charges from last year, Kowalcyzk said.

Court records show that Blackwell is still being held at the Baltimore City Detention Center. A pre-trial hearing on the most recent charges is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., May 6 in Baltimore District Court, 5800 Wabash Ave.

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