Shot Fired During Baltimore Police Chase: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

First responders roll a gurney on North Avenue in Baltimore. Police barricaded the block after initial reports indicated that a man had been shot by police, sparking anger in the crowd. Officials later reported that no one had been injured and the gun, carried by a man seen on a security camera, had discharged accidentally.  (Getty)

First responders roll a gurney on North Avenue in Baltimore. (Getty)

A shot was fired after a man dropped his gun while running from Baltimore police officers near where protesters have been gathering over the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.

Police said no one was shot, despite reports from witnesses at the scene. The incident occurred at about 3 p.m., near North and Pennsylvania avenues, where tension over Gray’s death remains high.

Here’s what you need to know:


1. The Gun Went Off When the Suspect Tried to Throw it Away

Police told Baltimore Sun reporter Colin Campbell that the man was running from police and tried to get rid of his gun. It went off as he tried to discard it, but no one was shot. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Witnesses at the scene continued to say that the man was shot, despite hearing what police said, showing the distrust of police that has grown deeper after Gray’s death.

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2. Video Shows the Chaos After the Incident as Rumors Spread That a Man Was Shot

A man faces off with a line of police after a shot was fired during an arrest in Baltimore on North Avenue. (Getty)

A man faces off with a line of police after a shot was fired during an arrest in Baltimore on North Avenue. (Getty)

The scene instantly became chaotic after the shooting. A livestreamer was in the area and captured the scene on video. Police began to try to take control of the scene as people yelled that he had been shot by a cop. The officers peppersprayed at least one person while forcing the crowd back.

A reporter also took video at the scene:


3. A Fox News Crew Reported That the Man Was Shot By Police

Fox News reported, and then retracted, that the man was shot by police. Witnesses said on Fox News that the man had been shot in the back. The Fox News crew, including correspondent Mike Tobin, were near the scene when the incident happened. Tobin said he heard a shot fired and then saw a man on the ground “in bad shape.”

Anchor Shepard Smith later apologized for getting the story wrong.


4. A Large Police Presence Responded to the Scene

A man faces off with Baltimore Deputy Police Commissioner Dean Palmere on North Avenue. (Getty)

A man faces off with Baltimore Deputy Police Commissioner Dean Palmere on North Avenue. (Getty)

Police officers put out numerous calls for assistance after the incident as the crowd grew. Officers in riot shields began to form a line around the crime scene.


5. The Curfew in the City Was Lifted on Sunday & the National Guard Began to Withdraw

The incident brought police officers in riot gear back into the streets, one day after Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced an end to the citywide 10 p.m. curfew and the National Guard announced it would start to pull back from Baltimore.

The city has been under a state of emergency for a week after violent riots broke out over Gray’s death last Monday afternoon. Six officers were charged in Gray’s death on Friday.