Baltimore Officer Charged with Attempted Murder After Viral Video Incident

A Baltimore police officer has been charged with attempted murder, assault, misconduct, and reckless driving following an incident captured on video that has since gone viral.

Officer Robert Parks is accused of attempting to run over a civilian during an encounter last month. The footage shows Parks speeding toward a Black man after a brief interaction, ultimately crashing his patrol car into a backyard fence.

State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced the charges on Wednesday, stating that investigators reviewed various camera angles, including some not available to the public, before proceeding with the indictment. Bates emphasized that the charges do not imply guilt, as those accused are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.

Parks has surrendered to authorities and has been placed on suspension without pay as of Monday.

In a joint statement, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley and Mayor Brandon Scott condemned Parks' actions, labeling them as unacceptable and contrary to the standards expected of public servants. They noted that if convicted, Parks would be terminated immediately, in accordance with the law.

The incident reportedly began when Parks approached a group loitering outside Wylie Liquors Bar in Central Park Heights, instructing them to disperse. He specifically called out one individual, who had a misdemeanor warrant, and urged him to come forward. When the man refused and attempted to walk away, Parks pursued him in his vehicle.

Bates remarked on the egregious nature of the incident, expressing disbelief over the officer's actions and highlighting the importance of de-escalation and the preservation of human life in law enforcement.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WYPR (source).