08-24-2015, 12:37 PM
Baltimore Cop Charged for Police Brutality
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^ Officer Wesley Cagle was charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and use of a handgun in a crime of violence, Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Wednesday evening.
"In light of recent events, the commissioner and I recognize the need to be transparent and forthcoming regarding any serious allegation of police brutality or misconduct," Mosby said.
Mosby's office said four officers responded to a report of a burglary in the 3000 block of East Monument Street on Dec. 28, 2014, when they saw a masked man with something shiny in his hand. Authorities said the man did not stop on the officers' commands.
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The alleged burglar, identified as ^ Michael John Johansen, allegedly reached toward his waist. "In fear for their safety, Officer Keven Leary and Officer Isiah Smith discharged their service weapons multiple times, striking the suspect several times before he fell to the floor," Mosby said.
"Based on eyewitness accounts, while Johansen was lying on the floor, Officer Leary and Officer Smith were continuing to cover him with their guns drawn when Officer (Wesley) Cagle, on his own initiative, came out of the alley in the rear of the store, walked in front of Officer Leary and Officer Smith and approached Johansen with his gun drawn.
"Officer Cagle positioned himself overtop of Johansen at which time Johansen stated, 'What did you shoot me with? A bean bag?' and Officer Cagle replied, 'No, a .40-caliber, you piece of (expletive)."
"Officer Cagle then took aim and fired his .40-caliber departmental issued firearm one time, striking Johansen in the groin area," Mosby said. "No weapon was recovered from Johansen or the crime scene." Johansen was unarmed when he was shot.
Mosby said eyewitnesses said Johansen appeared to no longer be considered a potential threat as he no longer made any aggressive or threatening movements. Johansen told reporters that he knows he's no angel (he has a long burglary sheet), but he didn't deserve to get shot again while injured and subdued.
"Today's serious criminal charges against a Baltimore police officer happened because our internal investigations worked. When we establish evidence that a police officer commits a crime, our hand-in-glove relationship with the State's Attorney's Office will ensure justice prevails," Interim Police Chief Davis said.
"The hardworking men and women of the Baltimore Police Department expect public safety leadership to ensure those who put on this patch and wear this badge represent the values of our organization and community."
Story: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/baltimore-cit...Type=Story
^ Officer Wesley Cagle was charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and use of a handgun in a crime of violence, Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Wednesday evening.
"In light of recent events, the commissioner and I recognize the need to be transparent and forthcoming regarding any serious allegation of police brutality or misconduct," Mosby said.
Mosby's office said four officers responded to a report of a burglary in the 3000 block of East Monument Street on Dec. 28, 2014, when they saw a masked man with something shiny in his hand. Authorities said the man did not stop on the officers' commands.
The alleged burglar, identified as ^ Michael John Johansen, allegedly reached toward his waist. "In fear for their safety, Officer Keven Leary and Officer Isiah Smith discharged their service weapons multiple times, striking the suspect several times before he fell to the floor," Mosby said.
"Based on eyewitness accounts, while Johansen was lying on the floor, Officer Leary and Officer Smith were continuing to cover him with their guns drawn when Officer (Wesley) Cagle, on his own initiative, came out of the alley in the rear of the store, walked in front of Officer Leary and Officer Smith and approached Johansen with his gun drawn.
"Officer Cagle positioned himself overtop of Johansen at which time Johansen stated, 'What did you shoot me with? A bean bag?' and Officer Cagle replied, 'No, a .40-caliber, you piece of (expletive)."
"Officer Cagle then took aim and fired his .40-caliber departmental issued firearm one time, striking Johansen in the groin area," Mosby said. "No weapon was recovered from Johansen or the crime scene." Johansen was unarmed when he was shot.
Mosby said eyewitnesses said Johansen appeared to no longer be considered a potential threat as he no longer made any aggressive or threatening movements. Johansen told reporters that he knows he's no angel (he has a long burglary sheet), but he didn't deserve to get shot again while injured and subdued.
"Today's serious criminal charges against a Baltimore police officer happened because our internal investigations worked. When we establish evidence that a police officer commits a crime, our hand-in-glove relationship with the State's Attorney's Office will ensure justice prevails," Interim Police Chief Davis said.
"The hardworking men and women of the Baltimore Police Department expect public safety leadership to ensure those who put on this patch and wear this badge represent the values of our organization and community."
Story: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/baltimore-cit...Type=Story