Newly released body-camera footage reveals a tragic incident in Baltimore, where three police officers fired multiple shots at a fleeing teenage suspect after spotting a gun in his hand. The suspect, 17-year-old William Gardner, was shot and killed on the spot. The footage, released during a news conference, shows the officers confronting Gardner, who was holding a gun, but it remains unclear if he aimed it at the police before they started shooting. The quick escalation of the situation raised questions about the use of deadly force, especially against a young Black man, leading to outrage in the community.
Baltimore Police Department officials highlighted that Gardner had a gun and reportedly pointed it at the officers before they opened fire. However, the video raised doubts about the necessity of the lethal response given the unclear circumstances surrounding the encounter. The Police Commissioner described the incident as tragic and emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway, refraining from immediately justifying the officers’ actions.
The officers from the Group Violence Unit were patrolling the area following reports of gunshots when they encountered Gardner. Despite not specifically targeting him, they noticed Gardner behaving suspiciously and attempted to approach him, leading to a chase. The bodycam footage starts during the pursuit, showing the officers commanding Gardner to stop as he runs alongside their vehicle. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in the officers firing multiple shots at Gardner, who did not fire his loaded handgun.
This shooting is reminiscent of similar incidents in Baltimore and other cities, sparking debates about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement. The Baltimore Police Department, under scrutiny for its practices, has been implementing reforms to regain public trust since the death of Freddie Gray in 2015. However, incidents like Gardner’s shooting continue to strain relations with the community. Residents described Gardner as a familiar face in the neighborhood, where a makeshift memorial now stands to honor his memory.
