Peter Sblendorio
New York Daily News
BALTIMORE — An officer with the Baltimore Police Department underwent surgery early Sunday after being shot while breaking up a party, authorities said.
The unidentified officer suffered the gunshot wound during a struggle with the driver of an SUV who had pulled into the parking lot “at a high rate of speed,” Baltimore Police said in a statement.
“At some point, our officer engaged with the driver and became aware that the driver was armed with a gun,” police said. “A struggle ensued and our officer’s partner intervened to assist in gaining control of the suspect.”
The suspect was taken into custody after the officer was shot.
The injured officer, who has worked for the department for 20 years, is now in stable condition after being rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, the Baltimore Sun reported.
The officers arrived at the scene on Winchester Street in the city’s Western District at around 3 a.m. after receiving multiple calls about a large party. In a statement, City Council President Brandon Scott indicated that the cops attempted to break up the party due to coronavirus restrictions.
“Since the beginning of COVID-19, our officers have worked non-stop to ensure the safety of Baltimoreans,” said Scott, according to the Baltimore Sun. “It is irresponsible and disappointing that people continue to put their own lives — and our entire community — at risk by having gatherings during a public health pandemic.”
The SUV that the suspect was driving had damage to one of its tires. The suspect was not injured in the struggle.
It’s unclear if either of the officers fired their weapons amid the mayhem, according to police.
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