Shooting Victim Who Sought Help At White Marsh Olive Garden Was Attacked In A Planned Ambush: Police

WHITE MARSH - The shooting victim who sought help at an Olive Garden in White Marsh was the victim of a violent ambush, according to police.

A father of nine has been accused of orchestrating an ambush along a busy stretch of road near White Marsh Mall.

According to Baltimore County Police, it all started on April 10, when 52-year-old Michael Carthen was shopping at a Wal-Mart. Police said that he spotted an individual he believed to be associated with someone who shot his 17-year-old son back in February outside their Baltimore City home.

Court records reveal that Carthen and his son allegedly followed the victim's car after it left the Wal-Mart parking lot. According to investigators, Carthen pulled alongside the victim's car on White Marsh Boulevard between Bel Air Road and Perry Hall Boulevard, opening fire on the vehicle and striking the victim in the face.

According to Baltimore County Police Spokesperson Trae Corbin, the victim then sought help at the nearby Olive Garden.

"We just believe the victim saw the nearest establishment and ran there to seek help," Corbin said.

WBAL reports that Carthen had a lengthy criminal history spanning multiple states. He was previously charged with armed robbery, involuntary manslaughter, drug possession, and assault.

At a Carthen's bail hearing, Prosecutors asked the judge to deny bail, saying Carthen was a clear threat to public safety. The judge agreed, declaring that the case involved severe public safety ramifications, and bail was denied, WBAL reports.