Baltimore police probe transport van sign

The Baltimore Police Department quickly condemned the sign that appears in photos that have circulated widely on social media, and said it is taking the matter “very seriously”. “We have recently become aware of the wording and have begun an internal investigation to determine all the circumstances surrounding its placement and to identify the person or persons responsible for its posting”.

The sign, on the inside of the van door, would be visible to anyone detained by the police and placed inside the van.

WBAL reported that the photos were taken Tuesday near the Central District Police Station, though CNN reports that Baltimore police have been unable to verify their authenticity, but are looking into it.

Gray’s death sparked massive protests and some violent riots in Baltimore over the rash of fatal altercations between black men and white police officers across the country.

WBAL said it was unclear who had posted the sign or how long it had been in place. But it’s clearly meant for those who are riding inside the van.

Baltimore’s police department may not enjoy this ride at all.

And it has raised questions about the lack of sensitivity shown by police in the wake of Gray’s death. Six police officers were charged in the case for “engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another”.

According to an autopsy report leaked to the Baltimore Sun, Gray was likely killed when the van police were transporting him in suddenly decelerated.

Prosecutors later said that police had no probable cause for Gray’s arrest. The driver of the van faces charges of second-degree murder.