Police and prosecutors say 14-year Baltimore police veteran shot a suspect while responding to a burglary after two other officers already shot him and he was “no longer a threat,” State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said.
In Dec. 2014, police say Officer Wesley Cagle emerged from an alley to shoot 46-year-old Michael Johansen in the 3000 block of Monument St. Inside a store, two officers already had already shot Johansen, and he was on the ground. (They used their guns lawfully because they saw him reach down after not obeying commands).
Then, police say Cagle emerged from an alley, and stood over Johansen with his gun drawn.
“What did you shoot me with, a beanbag?” Johansen said.
“”No, a .40-caliber, you piece of sh—,” Cagle said. He then fired one shot into Johansen in the “groin area.”
Cagle faces charges of attempted first degree murder, which carries a life sentence, as well as assault and “use of handgun in a crime of violence.”
The case marks another police brutality charge for Mosby, who came to national notoriety after bringing charges against BPD officers in connection with the death of Freddie Gray.
“In light of recent events, the commissioner and I recognize the need to be transparent and forthcoming regarding any serious allegation of police brutality or misconduct,” Mosby said.
