William Gardner, 17, dies in fatal Baltimore police shooting
Fatal Baltimore shooting death of William Gardner – Obituary
Authorities have identified the Baltimore police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old William Gardner on Monday night. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office Independent Investigations Division named the officers as Detectives Thomas Smith, Shariff Kellogg, and Devon Lomax.
Although the identity of the victim was initially withheld due to juvenile privacy laws, local police confirmed that the deceased was William Gardner. A memorial has been set up near the intersection of North Stricker and West Baltimore streets, where the shooting occurred.
Footage from a residential camera, obtained by 11 News on Tuesday, captured the moments leading up to the tragic incident. According to investigators, body-worn camera footage showed Gardner in possession of a handgun. The confrontation began when an officer on patrol observed Gardner and noticed what was described as “characteristics of an armed person.”
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley explained, “The officers could have seen the gun or its outline in his clothing. There are many things that could have alerted them to the fact that he was armed.”
After an initial struggle with the officer, Gardner managed to flee. However, three other officers pursued him, eventually catching up and opening fire, fatally wounding him. Commissioner Worley stated, “Our officers immediately rendered aid, but unfortunately, the young man was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
A firearm was recovered at the scene, but it remains unclear whether it had been discharged. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott urged anyone in a similar situation to reconsider carrying a gun, stating, “Nothing good will come of it for you or your family. We must understand that there is a better way.”
A woman, who identified herself as Gardner’s aunt, told 11 News that he was just weeks away from becoming a father. As the investigation continued on Tuesday, city police detectives canvassed the area, seeking witnesses and additional surveillance footage. Residents pointed out where bullets had struck a nearby business and apartment building.
The investigation by both the police department and the Independent Investigations Division is ongoing.
Fatal Baltimore shooting death of William Gardner – Obituary Authorities have identified the Baltimore police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old William Gardner on Monday night. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office Independent Investigations Division named the officers as Detectives Thomas Smith, Shariff Kellogg, and Devon Lomax. Although the identity of the victim was…
Fatal Baltimore shooting death of William Gardner – Obituary Authorities have identified the Baltimore police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old William Gardner on Monday night. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office Independent Investigations Division named the officers as Detectives Thomas Smith, Shariff Kellogg, and Devon Lomax. Although the identity of the victim was…