Baltimore Cop Charged With Attempted Murder For Allegedly Shooting Helpless

A Baltimore police officer who authorities say shot a burglary suspect in the groin at close range after he’d been subdued is being charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, the city’s top prosecutor announced Wednesday.

He was also charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and use of a handgun in a crime of violence.

The allegations against Cagle could heighten suspicion between police and residents of Baltimore, a city that erupted in riots in April over the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old who suffered a fatal spine injury while in police custody.

Mosby, who some praised and others criticized for coming down hard on police in the Gray case, said the Cagle charges were based on the facts of the case and nothing more.

“He was calling me all sorts of names and he shot me while I was on the ground”, Johansen said of Cagle.

Today, the 13-year veteran of the police department appeared in court via closed-circuit TV where a district court judge set his bail at $1 million. “A bean bag?’ and Officer Cagle replied, ‘No, a.40-caliber, you piece of (expletive)”.

“No police officer, no police chief, likes to report that one of our own engaged in criminal misconduct”, said Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis at the news conference Wednesday.

The incident took place in the 3000 block East Monument Street, when Cagle and three other officers responded to a burglary inside a grocery store. “Officer Cagle then took aim and fired his.40-caliber departmental issued firearm one time, striking Johansson in the groin area”.

Police say at the time of the incident, officers observed a “shiny” object in Johansen’s hand.

“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.

In May, the U.S. Justice Department launched a pattern of practice investigation into the department’s methods – an effort that Attorney General Loretta Lynch said came at the urging of Baltimore officials and community leaders, and with the support of the Baltimore police union. It doesn’t make police officers feel very good.

Mosby told reporters Wednesday evening that charges were brought against Cagle because the suspect was no longer a threat after he was shot by Leary and Smith. He was suspended without pay after the charges were filed, the department said in a press release.

Asked about the viability of the charges, Mosby said: “We’re going to let justice run its course, and that will be up to a judge or a jury to determine”.