A semiprofessional basketball player and former Baltimore Sun All-Metro selection is in jail on charges that he forced his way into an East Baltimore apartment and shot a man during a robbery, court records show.
Jason Sharp Jr., 25, who starred on Lake Clifton High School's 2009 undefeated state championship basketball team, was arrested Monday and charged with 14 counts, including attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery and assault.
In charging documents, police say the 48-year-old victim was inside his apartment in the 1000 block of E. Lombard St. about 9 p.m. Jan. 27 when he received a phone call from Sharp, who was outside.
As the victim went to let Sharp in, Sharp and two unidentified men wearing masks and holding handguns forced their way inside, police said. Sharp hit the man in the head with a handgun, knocking him to the ground, and went into the bedroom, where he took $14,000 in cash and a Playstation video game console, police said.
One of the men placed a sofa pillow over the victim's head, and the victim thrashed around trying to get free, police said. Sharp came over and placed his knee on the pillow, and that's when the victim said he was shot in the neck, according to police.
The victim and a witness who was hiding in the bedroom identified Sharp to police.
Sharp's attorney, Ivan Bates, said the charges are "totally out of character" for his client.
"We look forward to our day in court," Bates said. "There's a totally different story that will come out."
Sharp, who listed his occupation as professional basketball player in court records, is being held without bond.
Records show Sharp also is facing marijuana possession and handgun charges in Baltimore County. He was released on his own recognizance in August for that charge. According to Bates, Sharp was one of three people in a vehicle in which a gun was found in the trunk, and the vehicle did not belong to him.
Sharp has been playing for the Baltimore Hawks in the American Basketball Association, who play their home games at St. Frances Academy. According to its website, the team is 11-3 this season.
Lake Clifton won the Class 3A state title in 2009, which was Sharp's senior season. His teammate and current NBA player Will Barton was named The Sun's Player of the Year, coach Herman Harried was Coach of the Year and Sharp was an All-Metro selection. Sharp averaged 12 points, four steals and three assists per game and was praised for his intangibles.