Family Disputes Police Account of Fatal Shooting in Baltimore

Relatives of Dwight Hawkins say officers had no justification to use lethal force

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The family of Dwight Hawkins, a 38-year-old man fatally shot by Baltimore police, is disputing the official account of the incident. While police claim Hawkins was armed with a handgun and ran towards an officer, his relatives say he never pulled out a weapon and that the officers should have used non-lethal methods to subdue him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community over the use of deadly force, especially in incidents involving Black men. The family's account, if accurate, raises questions about whether the officers followed proper de-escalation protocols before resorting to lethal action.

The details

According to police, officers encountered Hawkins in a liquor store, saw that he appeared to be armed, and followed him outside. They say Hawkins then ran away while holding a handgun, and was shot after running 'almost face-to-face' with an officer. However, Hawkins' family claims witness accounts and video footage show he never pulled out a weapon, and that the officers had other non-lethal options they could have used before shooting him.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday night in the Belair-Edison neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore.
  • On Wednesday, Hawkins' family spoke out about the shooting and their concerns over the police's actions.

The players

Dwight Hawkins

A 38-year-old Baltimore resident who was fatally shot by police.

Lorraine Hawkins

Dwight Hawkins' aunt, who disputed the police's account of the shooting.

Richard Worley

Baltimore Police Commissioner, who provided details on the police's version of events.

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What they’re saying

“You're supposed to observe, take control and de-escalate. You have mace, you have a Taser and you have a gun. That should be last.”

— Lorraine Hawkins, Dwight Hawkins' aunt (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated by the Maryland Attorney General's Office.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, especially when it comes to the use of deadly force. The differing accounts underscore the need for thorough, impartial investigations to determine the facts and ensure accountability.