John Callis denied bail for viral attack on Commander fans; Defense blames cocaine, alcohol on Bender

BALTIMORE — John Callis, Baltimore Ravens fan accused Two 23-year-old men were assaulted After the Oct. 13 football game between the Ravens and Washington Commanders at Federal Hill, will remain in jail for the time being, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Callis, 24, faces one count of first-degree assault and three counts of second-degree assault that carry a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison.

Kallis is shown in a viral video wearing a Baltimore Ravens jersey and assaulting two men with a Commander jersey, according to police. he turned himself into the police tuesday

Callis' lawyer, Brian Thompson, told WJZ Investigator Mike Helgren that he believes his client was “overcharged.”

“I don't believe it's a first-degree assault. I think it's a second-degree assault. First-degree assault requires serious bodily injury,” Thompson said.

Callis' mother was in court. He became emotional but declined to speak to WJZ after the proceedings.

Viral attack

The attack occurred near the Cross Street Market in Federal Hill after the Ravens defeated the Commanders in Baltimore.

Charging documents obtained by WJZ reveal photos that went viral on social media of the second time Callis confronted the victims.

Prosecutors said Callis had already beaten them severely and they lost personal belongings, including a phone and wallet.

Prosecutors alleged that a video showed them beating them again when they returned to retrieve those items.

One victim was knocked unconscious and later struck.

Victims “humiliated”

Prosecutor Twila Driggins told the judge the victims were “humiliated” and “terrified” that Callis would attack again.

Judge Latina Burse Green called the evidence against Callis “compelling.” “This was clearly an unprovoked attack,” he said.

Judge Greene denied a defense motion to release Callis on GPS monitoring at an outpatient treatment facility.

“Obviously, it's frustrating. I think he needs help. The criminal justice system is designed to both punish and rehabilitate. He's a 24-year-old kid. He clearly has a problem. He needs help,” Thompson said. “And I'm trying to help him, and I believe the judge will be appropriate for that with a different program.”

The judge rejected the defense's treatment program recommendation OnePromise.

“I understand the judge's decision, but I certainly believe he can benefit from recovery and can benefit from treatment. And the right treatment will definitely make a difference in Mr. Callis' life,” said Danny Smith from One Promise.

A troubled history

In court, WJZ learned that Callis admitted to using cocaine every day for the past four years, including the day of the attack.

He received probation before sentencing for what prosecutors said was an “alcohol-fueled” attack in Towson in November 2021 in which he beat a man unconscious in the middle of York Road.

He received probation in 2020 for another assault that prosecutors said he committed while intoxicated in Delaware.

The judge said if the defense could find a suitable inpatient facility, he would release Callis to that program while he awaits trial.

Dismissed from employment

Before the attack, Callis moved to Sarasota, Florida where he lived with his father.

Prosecutors also revealed that Callis was identified by his boss after sending him a copy of the viral video. Callis worked remotely and was fired from the job he started just 34 days earlier.