The Case of a Teenager Being Run Over by a Police SUV
Police work is complex and dangerous, and each day can bring serious threats. However, with this responsibility comes the duty to protect and serve the community, which is why cases of excessive force always attract public attention.
One such case in Baltimore points to the possible use of service vehicles as weapons. Video footage of the incident appears very ambiguous.
Details of the 2021 Incident
The lawsuit concerns an incident that occurred in June 2021 involving 16-year-old Devonte Jett. According to the documents, the teenager was fleeing from officers responding to a reported carjacking when he was struck and run over by a police Ford Explorer in the Harlem Park area.
Aerial video, filmed by a police helicopter, shows Jett running across an open grassy area, pursued by an officer on foot with a weapon in hand. A moment later, another officer, identified in the lawsuit as Steven Reed, drove the SUV directly at the teenager and ran him over, causing him to lose consciousness.
The lawsuit alleges that Jett suffered a probable concussion, lung and pelvic injuries, underwent months of physical therapy, and continues to suffer from emotional distress. Attorneys argue that the video footage contradicts the officers’ written reports, which stated that Jett himself ran into the marked patrol car and reached for his waistband during the pursuit.
Baltimore PD overdoing it trying to run over a black man
A Systemic Problem or an Isolated Incident?
Jett’s attorneys argue that this incident is not isolated. To support the thesis of a broader “systemic practice,” the lawsuit cites past cases and the findings of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the Baltimore Police Department.
In a separate incident that appears to confirm this trend, a Baltimore officer was captured on camera seemingly attempting to run over a citizen on a grassy field. When he failed, a brief pursuit ensued, resulting in the officer crashing before the video cuts off. In that case, the officer was suspended. Part of the argument in Jett’s case is that the officer linked to the incident allegedly faced no disciplinary action.
Authorities’ Response and Similar Cases
Baltimore city representatives declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the matter would be resolved in court. Police spokeswoman Lindsey Eldridge confirmed that an internal investigation into Reed had been completed, although its findings were not disclosed.
Ironically, Baltimore police recently ran over their own detective in a similar situation. According to a local report, an officer struck a detective who was pursuing a suspect on foot. This may point to issues with driving skills among department personnel.
Practice in Other States
Similar cases where officers allegedly use vehicles as weapons are also recorded in other states. In some regions, such as Arkansas, officers regularly employ dangerous high-speed “PIT” tactics. They are often shielded from consequences, even when applying the maneuver to the wrong vehicle. In other states, such as New York, police have been criticized for what appears to be using patrol cars to run over mopeds or people fleeing on foot.
New: Baltimore Police have shown a “pattern and practice” of using their vehicles as weapons, according to a complaint recently filed in federal court by a young man who was run over when he was 16 years old, fleeing from officers responding to a reported carjacking.
No one claims that fleeing criminals should avoid any accountability. Undoubtedly, they knowingly risk their safety by fleeing. However, when someone is run over, especially if the person is actively fleeing and does not pose an immediate threat, legitimate questions arise regarding the proportionality and advisability of such actions by law enforcement.
This case highlights the complex dilemma between the police’s need to perform their duties effectively and the absolute requirement to uphold human rights and principles of proportional force. It also raises questions about the existence of systemic oversight mechanisms and transparency within police departments, particularly when it comes to investigating internal incidents and applying disciplinary measures. The public debate unfolding around such cases often focuses on finding a balance between officer safety, citizen safety, and the ethical frameworks for using service resources, such as vehicles.