A Baltimore Police officer has been suspended after a cell phone video emerged showing the officer apparently attempting to use his patrol car to run over a civilian, as reported by FOX45 News. The footage, which swiftly went viral, prompted the Baltimore Police Department to initiate an internal investigation while also examining the officer's body-worn camera, according to a statement released by the department.
The incident, captured on video by a bystander named Slick Brown, occurred as a group of individuals were congregating along Wylie Avenue in Park Heights; the officer who was later suspended told the group to disperse and singled out one man, telling him to come closer, which led to a chase on foot and the subsequent dangerous driving, in an interview given to WBAL-TV 11 News, Brown stated that his friend refused the officer's command and began to flee resulting in the officer getting back into his vehicle and commencing a chase at full speed hoping to hit him, during this ordeal, the individual was attempting to avoid being struck and sustained minor injuries including a sore knee.
Police Commissioner Richard Worley commented on the gravity of the situation, stressing that the actions seen in the video are completely at odds with the expectations for police conduct and the values of the Baltimore Police Department; Mayor Brandon Scott echoed these sentiments, describing the contents of the video as "deeply concerning," and affirming the officer's suspension and the commitment to a thorough investigation.
Moreover, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates has expressed his distress over the incident, ensuring that the Office of the State's Attorney’s Public Trust and Police Integrity Unit is carrying out an immediate and comprehensive investigation, according to the updates offered by FOX45 News and WBAL-TV 11 News. Bates further stated that the officer in question will not be called upon as a witness in any active or upcoming criminal prosecutions until the investigation has concluded to maintain the integrity of the justice system and ensure proper accountability.
