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Driver accused of dragging BPD sergeant arrested following standoff

Suspect had 19 prior arrests
Posted at 2:35 PM, Jun 29, 2022
and last updated 2022-06-30 12:41:26-04

BALTIMORE — Baltimore Police have arrested a man they say is responsible for injuring a sergeant Tuesday night.

Around 8pm sergeant Kenneth Ramberg pulled over a Mercedes sedan in the 5200 block of Park Heights Avenue.

The driver, who apparently had a gun on the floor board of the car, initially stopped and gave his license but refused to get out of the car when ordered to do so.

When Ramberg tried to physically remove him, the driver allegedly hit the gas and took off with the sergeant still hanging onto the inside of the door.

Sergeant Ramberg ended up being dragged for approximately two blocks, until police say the suspect intentionally sideswiped a parked car causing him to fall to the ground.

The fleeing driver never stopped.

RELATED: Baltimore police officer on life support after being dragged two blocks

The 27-year department veteran suffered multiple broken bones and head trauma that left him on life support at Shock Trauma. By Wednesday afternoon, his condition was upgraded to fair.

Earlier Wednesday morning, several police cars swarmed the 1600 block of Druid Hill Avenue for a barricade situation.

Four hours later police confirmed the arrest of 36-year-old Joseph Daniel Black, in relation to the hit and run.

Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said Black confessed to the crime and has been arrested at least 19 times in the past, for charges including attempted murder. He was reportedly on probation when this latest incident occurred.

Driver accused of dragging BPD sergeant arrested following standoff

"Frankly an individual who had no business being out who should have still been behind bars was out wreaking havoc on the streets of Baltimore yet again," said Mayor Brandon Scott. "Imagine if your this officer's family or the other victims of the previous crimes and you see this same individual, what impact that's gonna have on you and your community, there is no reason why someone with multiple arrests for second degree attempted murder and almost 20 charges in connection with violent crimes was even granted parole, there's no excuse for that," Scott said.

In response to the arrest Mike Mancuso, President of the Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police, pinned blame on Harrison, Scott, and Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

"Their policies, rhetoric, and pandering to the criminal element has caused this epidemic of violence and lawlessness," said Mancuso.

However, in Black's case it appears it was a judge who allowed him back on the streets.

MORE: Baltimore judge granted deal to accused Wicomico deputy killer, suspect who injured officer

In November 2021 Black was sentenced to 15-years in jail with all but nearly 14 years suspended, for a 2020 firearm possession charge.

Black ultimately served only 20 months behind bars including time served, before the judge let him out.

 Joseph Daniel Black
Joseph Daniel Black