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BWC: Armed 17-year-old struggles with Baltimore officers, draws gun while fleeing before fatal OIS

The officers involved in the shooting stated that the suspect pointed the gun at them before they fired shots

By Joanna Putman
Police1

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Police Department has released body camera footage of the fatal officer-involved shooting of an armed 17-year-old who brandished a firearm while fleeing from officers, WBAL reported.

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According to Baltimore Police Department investigators, the Aug. 5 incident began when an officer on patrol noticed a person displaying “characteristics of an armed person.” Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley explained that the officers might have seen the gun or its outline through his clothing, according to the report.

A struggle ensued between the officer and the suspect, who wrestled free and led the officer on a short foot pursuit. A video released Aug. 10 shows the suspect holding the gun in his hand as he ran away. Three other officers joined in the pursuit before firing their weapons, striking the suspect.

The three involved in the shooting stated that the suspect pointed his gun at them, leading them to fire the shots.

The officers immediately rendered aid, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report. A gun was recovered at the scene, but it is not yet known if it had been fired.

“I want to implore anyone who may be in a similar position to put down the gun,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. “There is nothing good going to come out of it for you or your family. We have to have an understanding that there is a better way.”

The incident is under investigation by the Baltimore Police Department and the Independent Investigations Division, according to the report.