Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison says around 3:14 a.m. Sunday, two officers were working in the area of the 2300 block of Winchester Street in the Western District. After receiving multiple calls for a large party, officers were summoned to the area to assist with crowd dispersal. As the crowd began to leave the area, officers observed an SUV with a damaged tire pull into the parking lot at a high rate of speed.
“At some point, our officer engaged with the driver and became aware that the driver was armed with a gun,” said Harrison. “A struggle ensued, and our officer’s partner intervened to assist in gaining control of the suspect.” During the struggle, the unidentified officer was shot, and the suspect was subsequently taken into custody without injury. Investigators recovered a handgun on the scene. It has not been determined whether the officers fired their weapons. Both officers were wearing body-worn cameras. Video footage will be downloaded and reviewed.
The wounded officer is a 20-year Baltimore Police Department veteran and has proudly served in the National Guard for more than 20 years. The officer was transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center and rushed into surgery.
University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center Director, Dr. Thomas Scalea says the officer was admitted to the hospital around 3:30 Sunday morning with a single gunshot wound to his torso. "He was immediately taken into the operating room," said Scalea. "He's stable. At this point, we're hopeful for a full recovery. We're just going to have to wait and see."
Mayor Young issued another plea to the so-called "trigge, r pullers" to put the guns down. "Let's find other means to settle our disputes, without shooting at police officers or sooting at others, said Young. "We will get control of the violence in the city of Baltimore. I might not be the mayor when that happens, but we're on the right track to reduce crime in the city of Baltimore.
Council President and Democratic Nominee for mayor, Brandon Scott released the following statement in response to the officer-involved shooting. Scott says his prayers are with the officer and his family now that he is out of surgery and begins his road to recovery.
“He deserves our respect and gratitude, as do all our brave officers who continue to put their lives on the line each day to protect our residents and our communities amidst this pandemic, said Scott.
“Since the beginning of COVID-19, our officers have worked non-stop to ensure the safety of Baltimoreans. It is irresponsible and disappointing that people continue to put their own lives - and our entire community - at risk by having gatherings during a public health pandemic.”
Scott goes on to say that the city suffers from two public health crises: COVID-19 and gun violence. “More than 10 people have been shot in Baltimore this weekend alone,” he wrote. “In recent weeks, we have lost the lives of teenagers, seniors, and beloved members of the media. This should serve as a reminder to us all that we must focus on the individuals causing this pain while we also begin to build better communities.”