The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) announced an officer-involved shooting investigation in the Central District.
On Jan. 7, at approximately 9:18 p.m., a Central District officer conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of W. Franklin Street after identifying a vehicle displaying a suspended registration tag.
While returning the driver’s license and registration, the officer reportedly observed a firearm in the driver’s waistband and issued verbal commands to the driver, advising that he was going to reach into the vehicle to disarm him.
As the officer reached into the vehicle, the driver reportedly fled the scene, dragging the officer. While being dragged, the officer discharged at least one round into the vehicle. He then fell to the ground as the vehicle continued fleeing the area.
The driver, 29-year-old Marquise Wells, drove himself to an area hospital seeking treatment for his injuries. Upon release, Wells was interviewed by detectives and charged with first- second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and additional counts.
The officer reportedly sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. He has since been released from the hospital.
Investigators from the Special Investigations Response Team (SIRT) are investigating the incident. SIRT has also activated its Public Release of Critical Incident Recordings Policy.
