The Maryland Attorney General’s unit has identified the Baltimore Police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Hunter Jessup in Millhill. The officers, William Healy, Brittany Routh, Justin Oliva, and Brandon Columbo, had at least three years of experience on the force. The officers were part of a Southwestern District Action Team. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not disclosed which officer struck Jessup or how many shots were fired. Neighbors have raised questions about the necessity of the foot pursuit and the use of lethal force. Darcy Costello reported
The unit of the Maryland Attorney General’s office that is responsible for investigating the fatal shooting of Hunter Jessup on Tuesday has now identified the Baltimore Police officers involved in the incident. The officers have been named as William Healy, Brittany Routh, Justin Oliva, and Brandon Columbo. Each of these officers has a minimum of three years’ experience on the police force, according to the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division.
However, the authorities have not yet disclosed which officer or officers actually fired the shots that struck Jessup, nor have they revealed the exact number of shots fired. At a press conference on Tuesday, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley did confirm that “multiple” shots had been fired.
It has been reported that the officers involved in the shooting were part of the Southwestern District Action Team, although a press release on Thursday stated that each officer was assigned to patrol. The officers were patrolling Brunswick Street in the Millhill neighborhood of Baltimore on Tuesday when they attempted to stop Jessup, whom they believed to be armed. When Jessup fled on foot, the officers pursued him. The situation escalated when Jessup drew a gun, prompting one of the officers to tackle him onto a set of steps. According to the police, Jessup then pointed his weapon at the officers, resulting in multiple officers opening fire on him. The incident took place on Wilkens Avenue in Southwest Baltimore.
A handgun with an extended magazine was recovered from the scene, but investigators are still determining whether Jessup had fired the weapon at the officers. The Independent Investigations Division stated in a news release that the ballistic evidence found at the scene is consistent with Jessup having discharged his firearm.
Neighbors have expressed their shock and questioned the necessity of the police foot chase. They described Jessup as a “stand-up guy” who had a baby on the way. One resident, Mike Davis, questioned why so many officers were unable to apprehend Jessup without resorting to lethal force. He suggested that police should not engage in pursuits solely to remove firearms from the streets.
The entire incident was captured on the officers’ body cameras, and the footage is expected to be released to the public in the coming days.
This article was contributed by Cassidy Jensen, a reporter.
Originally Published: Nov 09, 2023 at 10:41 am.