Baltimore Officer Suspended After Viral Video

A disturbing video circulating on social media has led to the suspension of a Baltimore police officer. The footage appears to show the officer repeatedly attempting to run over a Black man with his police vehicle. This incident has sparked outrage and prompted swift action from city leaders.

Viral Footage Sparks Investigation

The video, shared widely by platforms like The Neighborhood Talk, captures a marked police car in pursuit of a man running on foot. The officer allegedly makes multiple attempts to strike the individual with the vehicle. Bystanders overheard in the footage express disbelief, questioning the officer’s actions and stating, “You don’t even have no reason to stop [him].”

Upon reviewing the video, the Baltimore Police Department immediately suspended the officer involved. Police Commissioner Richard Worley described the footage as “disturbing” and “alarming,” initiating an internal affairs investigation. The department is also reviewing the officer’s body camera footage to gather more context surrounding the incident.

Officials Condemn Actions, Promise Accountability

Commissioner Worley emphasized that the officer’s alleged behavior does not align with the department’s values and standards. “This is not how we expect our officers to behave,” he stated, reaffirming the commitment to rebuilding trust with the community and holding officers accountable. Mayor Brandon Scott echoed these sentiments, calling the video “deeply concerning” and assuring that “proper accountability” will be enforced.

The incident has intensified tensions between the community and law enforcement in Baltimore. According to eyewitness Slick Brown, who recorded the video, the man was with friends in the Park Heights neighborhood when the officer approached them and demanded they move. When the man refused and walked away, the officer allegedly pursued him in his car.

Legal Ramifications and Investigation Details

The man who was targeted sustained minor injuries, primarily to his knee. It was later revealed that the officer may have been attempting to address the man’s failure to appear in court for a driving without a license charge. The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, through its Public Trust and Police Integrity Unit, will oversee the investigation. As a precautionary measure, the unidentified officer will not be returning to duty while the investigation is ongoing. The State’s Attorney’s office also stated they would decline to call the officer as a witness in any current or future prosecutions until the investigation concludes.