(Baltimore, MD) -- A Baltimore police officer is facing a second-degree attempted murder charge after a viral video showed him nearly striking a man with his patrol vehicle.
State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced a grand jury also indicted Officer Robert Parks on assault, reckless driving, and misconduct charges.
The video showed Parks speeding through a grassy area in Central Park Heights last month, nearly hitting the man before crashing through a fence.
“The charges brought forward in this indictment reflect the serious and dangerous nature of the actions we all witnessed in the video of Officer Parks. These are the same charges we would bring forward for anyone operating a vehicle in this manner,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “When a police officer threatens the safety of those they are sworn to protect, it erodes the crucial trust between the community and law enforcement that is critical to the historic reductions in violent crime in our city and essential to keeping Baltimore safe.”
Officials say Parks turned himself in and could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted.