Officer Making First Comments Since Being Charged In Freddie Gray Case
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One of the six officers charged in the Freddie Gray case shares with The Washington Post his background parallels that of Gray.
The Baltimore-born officer is making his first comments since being charged in Gray's death.
Christie Ileto with the new insight.
Both Gray and Officer William Porter Jr. grew up blocks away from one another, but life took them on very different paths--until April 12.
It's this moment where Freddie Gray and Officer William Porter Jr.'s paths collide--viral video of a now controversial arrest, the two on opposite sides of the law.
Porter tells The Washington Post: "If I had made different choices, I would have been Freddie Gray. If he had made different choices, he could have been an Officer Porter."
Both raised blocks apart, attending nearby schools in the same community, Officer Porter continued to college before the rank and file; Gray--the criminal justice system.
A family friend who didn't want to talk on camera tells WJZ Officer Porter is a good person, was raised right and was heartbroken to learn he was involved.
His mother, Helena Porter, is quoted saying:
"If you never get locked up your entire life and you became a police and you get locked up for doing your job, that's a little eerie."
Porter and five other officers pleaded not guilty to an array of charges, including involuntary manslaughter.
A tragic turn of events for both native sons who had a very similar start in life.
If convicted of manslaughter, Porter could face up to ten years in prison.