Baltimore City Police Sgt. Arrested On Assault, Misconduct Charges
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison announced the arrest of BPD Sgt. Ethan Newberg for assault, false arrest, false imprisonment and misconduct.
Harrison also announced that Newberg was also suspended without pay.
Body camera footage shows, a 24-year veteran, was doing a warrant check on the 2300 block of Ashton Street when a passerby offered an opinion.
Newberg claimed the man was being aggressive, but Harrison said that body camera footage showed a different story.
He said it showed the man speaking to Newberg and walking calmly away after offering his opinion.
According to Harrison, the footage shows Newberg chasing the man, grabbing him and with the help of another officer, taking him to the ground and arresting him.
"The officer we arrested today or being arrested right now does not reflect who we are or what we stand for," Harrison said. "This behavior will never have a place in this police department as long as I'm police commissioner."
Mayor Jack Young released a statement Thursday night that read, in part:
"I fully support the actions taken by Commissioner Michael S. Harrison. An essential part of police reform in Baltimore involves restoring the trust between the community and members of the police department. In my view, the actions taken by the officer in question are unbecoming of someone in law enforcement and will not be tolerated."
Baltimore City Councilman Brandon Scott said that he applauds Commissioner Harrison for, "his swift action."
Continue to stay with WJZ as more information becomes available.
