By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has released body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 40-year-old Jamarl Muse in Southeast Baltimore on Jan. 20.
The 11-minute video was made public on Feb. 5 during a press conference at BPD headquarters. It shows multiple officers responding to a call about a man matching a description of wearing black pants, a black jacket and white sweatshirt and riding a white bicycle in the 6500 block of Eastern Avenue.
Officers are seen spotting Muse on his bike and pursuing him. Muse stops briefly before an officer pulls him from his bicycle. In the footage, he can be heard asking why he is being stopped and insisting he did nothing wrong. Officers did not explain why Muse was being stopped.
As officers attempt to detain him, Muse tells them to “get off” of him. Seconds later, a shot goes off. Police say Muse fired a handgun as officers tried to restrain him.
In response, BPD Sergeant Carlos Arias and Officer Edwin Ruiz both fired six rounds, hitting Muse.
After the shooting, the video shows Ruiz cuff Muse and begin administering first aid, while another officer kicks the handgun away.
Before showing the video, BPD Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the incident could have been avoided altogether “had the suspect just complied with the demands of the officers.”
“We understand that any use of force can prompt significant public concern and scrutiny. We remain open to continued dialogue with our community and the many partners as we work to maintain transparency and confidence,” said Worley. “The Attorney General’s Office in coordination with our department will conduct a full, detailed and transparent investigation.”
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown confirmed that his office’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) began reviewing the incident on Jan. 21.
According to BPD, the call officers responded to was related to a dispute at a residence. Muse was reportedly trying to help a woman get her daughter and son-in-law to leave her house. During the interaction, he pulled his firearm on them. The couple called 911, and Muse fled the scene before police arrived.
BPD confirmed that Muse was not legally cleared to own a handgun.
When asked whether Muse’s gun could have gone off unintentionally, Baltimore police said the weapon was a revolver that requires about 10 to 12 lbs of force to pull the trigger. Worley added that, in his view, intent was irrelevant.
“Quite honestly, whether it was accidental or on purpose, he had every opportunity to show his hands,” said Worley. “Instead he reached for a gun, pulled the gun and tried to shoot one of my officers.”
Arias and Ruiz remain on administrative leave as IID’s investigation takes place. Both officers were referred to BPD’s Office of Safety and Wellness. Footage from officers’ body-worn cameras can be found at the link here:
