A Baltimore Police officer, identified as Robert A. Parks, is currently under scrutiny following the circulation of a viral video where he is ostensibly seen using his police cruiser in an attempt to run over an individual.
The incident, which took place in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood, led to Officer Parks crashing the vehicle into a backyard fence of an elderly woman's property, as reported by Fox Baltimore. In the aftermath of the widespread attention the video garnered on social media in late October, Parks was assigned to administrative duties before being suspended without pay.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley expressed his concern regarding the officer's behavior. "What is seen in this video is not only disturbing, but alarming," Worley stated, in a statement reported by CBS News. "This is not how we expect our officers to behave, and this incident does not reflect the values or standards of the Baltimore Police Department."
An internal affairs investigation is reportedly in progress, with the department reviewing body-worn camera footage of Officer Parks. Meanwhile, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also weighed in, describing the video's contents as "deeply concerning" and reassuring the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted. State's Attorney Ivan Bates highlighted the severity of the situation as well: "Our office is deeply concerned by the viral video showing a Baltimore Police Department officer appearing to drive his vehicle toward civilians," Bates said in a statement cited by Fox Baltimore. The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City is conducting a separate investigation.
While the outcomes of these investigations are pending, the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, where Parks previously volunteered, announced that he is no longer an active member with their organization.
