Bodycam Shows Takedown of Bystander That Led to Baltimore Police Officer's Arrest

Baltimore Police released the body worn camera footage of Sergeant Ethan Newberg from an incident on May 30th.



Police say Lee Dotson passed a criticism of the officer as he was arresting someone and making him sit on a wet curb. Dotson was walking away when Newberg chased.



Then the younger officer with Newberg also charged Dotson, tackling him — knee in his back. The other view from that officer's body worn camera shows him pointing his weapon at the man they originally stopped...which qualifies as use of force.



Once things calm down and more officers make the scene on Ashton Street in Southwest Baltimore — Newberg wasn't done chastising the man who criticized him.



“He is under arrest,” Newberg yelled at the other officers, “For what? For what? What am I under arrest for?” you hear Dotson ask, “Just go to jail and take your charge like a man…Take your charge!” Newberg fired back.“What am I going to jail for?” Dotson again asked. “Because you don't know how to act!” yelled Newberg.



Dotson was charged with disorderly and sent to central booking. Once this video was seen by prosecutors, the charge was dropped. Commissioner Michael Harrison called it part of a horrible culture and is interested to see how pervasive it is in the department.



Newberg has since been charged with misconduct, false imprisonment and assault; he is suspended without pay. The younger officer is suspended with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.