Body-worn camera footage released by the Baltimore Police Department on Thursday has revealed new details in the shooting of a 36-year-old man who charged at officers with weapons. The man, identified as Russom Gebretsadik, was shot in the leg by officer James Stokes, a 9-year veteran of the department.
According to online court records, Gebretsadik, now 37, is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and related charges.
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The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. when officers, who were responding to a different call, noticed a naked man standing on a corner in the 2000 block of West Pratt Street. Security footage released by the police shows the man, only wearing socks, entering a convenience store.
In the footage, officers are seen searching for the man inside the store. After a brief search, they confront him on a staircase and inquire about his nudity. The man’s response is inaudible.
The footage then shows the man throwing something at the officers, prompting them to retreat and call for backup and a ballistic shield. As officers move through the building, a large knife becomes visible behind the shield. Gebretsadik emerges from a door and advances towards the officers, resulting in Officer Stokes firing his gun five times.
Stokes, who fell down a set of stairs during the confrontation, eventually apprehended Gebretsadik and placed him in handcuffs. Police Commissioner Richard Worley commended the officers for their swift response and revealed that a tourniquet was applied to Gebretsadik’s leg, potentially saving his life.
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Following the incident, police investigated the room where Gebretsadik was found and discovered various items, including a lighter fluid bottle, a gas can, an oil jug, two motors, a lighter, a gas can spout, and two circuit boards. No explosives were recovered, but samples of the liquids were taken for further analysis.
Gebretsadik, who has been released from the hospital, is currently in custody and awaiting trial. Despite not having an attorney listed, he is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
The release of the body-worn camera footage aims to provide transparency and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Baltimore Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
