This footage, from the Baltimore, MD Police Department, shows a use-of-force incident from late May, 2024. Being questioned in regard to a shooting from earlier that week, the suspect draws a handgun while his bag is being searched, at which point a brief gunfight ensues. Viewer discretion is advised.

The suspect shown, Anthony Ferguson, 39 years of age, is shown sitting on the steps of a building. Considering Ferguson had been implicated by surveillance camera in connection to a shooting, the first officer to make contact with him is surprisingly lax, and almost timid. When the Sergeant makes contact, it's no-nonsense, as he flatly asks Ferguson if he has "it on him."

There seems to be an element of familiarity between the Sergeant and the suspect as the Sergeant references speaking to him earlier. Unfortunately, this leads to some complacency which ultimately gets an officer wounded and the suspect killed. Considering Ferguson is suspected of being armed, it's rather surprising that the Sergeant opts to search the backpack before giving Ferguson so much as a pat-down, but it does give Ferguson time to draw his handgun at 01:10. In the preceding seconds, Ferguson's body language gives away that decision being made. It takes Ferguson an approximate five seconds to draw, during which time several officers demand that he drop it. Gunfire is exchanged at 01:16, and both Ferguson and a Baltimore Police detective are shot. The detective can be heard announcing that he got hit. At 03:16, recording from another responding officer suggests that the detective got hit in the vest.

Ferguson was pronounced dead at an area hospital, while the detective was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, thanks to his armor. Right at the end of the video, an officer is shown clearing Ferguson's weapon of its extended magazine.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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