Montgomery County Police Sent 60 Officers to Baltimore In Light of Freddie Gray Case (PHOTO)

The Montgomery County Police sent 60 officers to Baltimore today as a precaution in light of the Freddie Gray case.

Police Spokesperson Captain Paul Starks says the officers are members of the Special Events Response Team (SERT). He said the officers take direction from Baltimore command staff and are on stand-by.

Earlier today, Judge Barry Williams declared a mistrial in the trial of Baltimore police Officer William Porter in the case involving the death of Freddie Gray.  Gray died after sustaining injuries while in police custody. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake released the following statement regarding the case.

“A few minutes ago, Judge Barry G. Williams declared a mistrial in the criminal case of Officer William Porter because the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. It is now up to State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to determine whether to further pursue criminal charges. This is our American system of justice. Twelve Baltimore residents listened to the evidence presented and were unable to render a unanimous decision. As a unified city, we must respect the outcome of the judicial process. In the coming days, if some choose to demonstrate peacefully to express their opinion, that is their constitutional right. I urge everyone to remember that collectively, our reaction needs to be one of respect for our neighborhoods, and for the residents and businesses of our city. In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond. We will protect our neighborhoods, our businesses and the people of our city.”

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— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) December 16, 2015

About Maureen Chowdhury

Maureen Chowdhury is a multimedia journalist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at mchowdhury@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @MediaMaureen. Maureen authors the blog Sound Check on MyMCMedia.

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