In a statement released Friday, Baltimore Police Media Relations Chief T.J. Smith said BPD officials were informed by the State’s Attorney of the decision to charge Officer Kevin Battipaglia in an incident that occurred on December 24, 2017 during an arrest. Smith said upon receiving the charges, Battipaglia was arrested and charged and placed on suspension without pay.
“We take these matters very seriously,” said Smith. “Our Office of Professional Responsibility is working with the [Baltimore City] State’s Attorney’s Office with regard to this matter.”
Battipaglia is a five-year veteran who was assigned to Northeast District patrol. “At this stage, the evidence in this case will be scrutinized in the judicial system,” said Smith.
No further details were made available.