Tensions high in Baltimore over death of Freddie Gray

Six police officers have been suspended… with pay.

Today, April 21, the Department of Justice (DOJ) opened an official investigation into the death of Freddie Gray, 25, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in custody of the Baltimore, Maryland police department. The injury led to his death on Sunday, April 19.

Dena Iverson, spokeswoman for the DOJ said in a statement:

“Based on preliminary information, the Department of Justice has officially opened this matter and is gathering information to determine whether any prosecutable civil rights violation occurred.”

What we know:

On Sunday April 12, Freddie was arrested by Baltimore police. He allegedly had a switchblade and ran when he saw the officers. He was arrested and thrown into a van while he screamed with pain.

“When he was taken out of that van, he could not talk and he could not breathe.” — Deputy Police Commissioner, Jerry Rodriguez.

A timeline of events:

8:39 a.m.: Freddie flees from police

8:40 a.m.: Freddie is taken into custody

8:42 a.m.: Officers request transport van

8:54 a.m.: Transport van stops, more restraints are added to Freddie

9:24 a.m.: Paramedics are requested for hospital transport

Freddy was arrested on the corner of Presbury Street and N. Mount, outside of the Gilmore Homes housing project in the Sandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. A Google map shows that it would take approximately four minutes to drive to the Baltimore Police Department Western District Office for booking.

What happened in the 30 minutes between 8:54 a.m. — 9:24 a.m.?

Freddie Gray’s Injuries:

While receiving care at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center:

Freddie went into a coma, died, was resuscitated, stayed in a coma and had surgery. His spine was 80% severed at the neck.

On Sunday, April 19, one week after his arrest, Freddie died from his injuries.

We believe the police are keeping the circumstances of Freddie’s death secret until they develop a version of events that will absolve them of all responsibility. However, his family and the citizens of Baltimore deserve to know the real truth; and we will not stop until we get justice for Freddie.” — Billy Murphy Jr., family attorney.

On Tuesday, April 21, the names of the officers involved in the incident — who have been suspended with pay — were released:

• Lt. Brian Rice, with the department since 1997.
• Sgt. Alicia White, with the department since 2010.
• Officer Caesar Goodson, with the department since 1999.
• Officer William Porter, with the department since 2012.
• Officer Edward Nero, with the department since 2012.
• Officer Garrett Miller, with the department since 2012.

People in Baltimore took to the streets in protest:

The investigation is underway. We will keep you posted on this story as it develops.