Charges Dropped Against Suspect In Viral Arrest Video, Baltimore Police Investigating Use Of Force
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore Police are investigating the use of force in an arrest after officers were seen on video pinning a man to the ground on December 2.
The video went viral after it being shared by a number of Instagram accounts, including Baltimore mayoral candidate Carlmichael "Stokey" Cannady and Shaun King, an American writer and civil rights activist.
"My blood is boiling. This is the @baltimorepolicedepartment. They are literally choking the life out of this young brother," King said on Instagram. "It's not just against department policy, it's illegal."
'Further Investigation Has Been Initiated' Into Viral Baltimore Arrest
The Baltimore Police Department responded Thursday saying the suspect, David Dixon, 23, was charged with felony drug possession, trespassing and resisting arrest. They added the officer was taken to the hospital because the suspect bit him. On Friday, it was announced that charges were dropped against Dixon.
"The video was brought to our attention today but we have been investigating since December 2nd when the incident occurred. In all cases like this, we investigate the circumstances that led to the arrest and evaluate whether the arrest itself and the use of force were in compliance with the Department's policies and procedures." BPD said in a statement.
Baltimore City's Police Commissioner Michael Harrison announced new policies covering officers' use of force last week, the first regulations that meet the approval of the Department of Justice as part of Baltimore's consent decree with the federal government.
The policies focus on de-escalation techniques and officers are required to go through training online and at least 16 hours of training in person.
Note: This story was updated on Dec. 6, 2019 to reflect that the charges were dropped against Dixon.