The Baltimore Ravens fan who went viral on social media after a video was posted showing him pummeling two Washington Commanders fans has been denied bail.
John Callis turned himself into Baltimore police earlier this week on charges of first-degree aggravated assault and second-degree assault.
The 24-year-old’s defence attorney, Brian Thompson, lobbied for Callis to be released into an outpatient rehab program citing a “years-long cocaine addiction and alcoholism,” according to the Baltimore Sun.
State’s Attorney Twila Driggins called Callis a threat to public safety, indicating he could be a potential flight risk as he resides in Florida while asking for the accused to be held without bail.
The prosecutor also cited Callis’ previous arrests for which he was sentenced to probation and said the two 23-year-old fans he attacked were “humiliated” by the incident and were concerned Callis could be released.
WARNING: Strong language and violence
Baltimore District Court judge LaTina Burse Greene ultimately sided with the prosecutor and denied the bail application but indicated the ruling could be modified if Callis found an inpatient treatment program that was combined with 24/7 GPS monitoring and house arrest.
“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 told local CBS affiliate WJZ. “Is it disappointing he wasn’t allowed to be put in this OnePromise facility? 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.”
In the video that took place following the Ravens’ 30-23 win over the visiting Commanders on Oct. 13, Callis is seen approaching the two Commanders fans and then taunting, punching, kicking and slamming them, with one of the victims appearing to be knocked unconscious.
Callis then yelled, “I don’t lose! I don’t f—ing lose,” into the camera as he and the person recording the incident walk away.
According to reports, Callis could face up to 55 years in prison if convicted of all charges he currently faces.
After the video went viral, several social media sleuths got down to business and quickly identified Callis.
In replies to the video posted by Hater Report, which has been viewed more than 50 million times, an X user posted information about the man alleged to be the assailant.
After Callis was identified as an employee at Maury Donnelly and Parr, the insurance firm was quick to announce on X that he was “no longer employed” by company.
“MDP has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and aggressive behavior. This individual is no longer employed with our firm,” the company wrote in its post.