Authorities announced Tuesday that a warrant had been issued for the arrest of a former Baltimore police officer who was allegedly shot last week by his wife after she became aware of claims that he had abused children at her daycare.
According to Baltimore County Police, James Weems Jr., 57, of Randallstown, is accused of sexually abusing at least three children at an Owings Mills day care center. Weems is still being held by the authorities in a hospital in Washington, D.C.
After the claims surfaced earlier this month, Weems, a former officer who left the Baltimore Authorities Department in 2005, became the focus of an investigation, according to police.
Weems has been hospitalized since last Thursday after he was shot during a dispute with his wife, Shanteari, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the District. Shanteari Weems told police she shot her husband after finding out he was accused of molesting children in her care, court records show.
She said that her spouse “had been assaulting them,” as “many children have told me.”
Local property records indicate that Shanteari Weems is the owner of the Lil Kidz Kastle Daycare Center in Owings Mills. In recent days, the facility has been closed as a result of the police investigation into the abuse claims.
Around 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, the pair was the focus of a call regarding a rumored gunshot at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. When police arrived, they spoke with Shanteari Weems, who allegedly threatened to hurt herself if they went inside the hotel room where the couple was staying.
She allegedly threatened to shoot herself if they entered.
According to the criminal documents, she said that an altercation between her and her husband had erupted when he stepped closer to her. She allegedly shot her spouse at that point.
After a standoff at the hotel, Shanteari Weems was arrested. She is accused of several offenses, including gun ownership without a license and aggravated assault with intent to kill.
According to authorities, during the execution of a search warrant, two pistols, two shell casings, a notebook outlining Weems’ alleged plan to shoot her husband, as well as an unofficial will, were found.
On Friday, Shanteari Weems is expected to appear in court.
Her husband was brought to the hospital to receive medical attention for his wounds. On Tuesday, there was no immediate word on his condition. He is still being held by the police and hospitalized as he awaits extradition.