BALTIMORE — A Baltimore City Police officer has been criminally charged, nearly two weeks after a video surfaced purportedly showing him chasing and nearly running over a man with his patrol cruiser.
Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced the indictment Wednesday afternoon against officer Robert Parks.
Just yesterday, the police department confirmed that Parks had been suspended without pay indicating an indictment was forthcoming.
Now, Parks faces a slew of charges including attempted second-degree murder and assault.
The October 28 incident began when Parks approached a group of people gathered near a liquor store at the corner of Pimlico Road and Wylie Avenue.
Charging documents quote Parks saying "It's getting a little hot guys, I just need you guys to take a lap, you know?"
Among the group was Antrell Smith. He and the others began walking away when Parks specifically called him out.
Smith reportedly declined to speak further, at which time Parks allegedly said "All right I'm just gonna call the dogs and come get you."
Parks got back into his marked car, and told the dispatcher he had "one running."
This appears to be when the video picks up showing Parks driving towards Smith at a high rate of speed.
RELATED: BPD officer suspended after viral video appears to show him almost running a man over
As charging documents describe, the video shows Parks driving onto a sidewalk and later through a chain-linked fence in pursuit of Smith.
Bates claims Smith was forced to jump a fence in order to avoid being hit.
“The charges brought forward in this indictment reflect the serious and dangerous nature of the actions we all witnessed in the video of Officer Parks," said Bates. "These are the same charges we would bring forward for anyone operating a vehicle in this manner."
Parks has been with the force since February 2020.
A copy of the indictment can be read below.
