Baltimore County Police Officer on Leave After Alleged Use of Force Incident

Family demands release of bodycam footage after man suffers broken jaw, nose, and permanent brain damage

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A Baltimore County police officer is under investigation for alleged use of force during a welfare check, with the family of the injured man, Samuel Brown, demanding the release of bodycam footage to understand what happened. Officials claim the officer punched Brown twice in the head, leading to a broken jaw, broken nose, and permanent brain damage. The family disputes the police account, saying Brown simply "brushed his arm away" before being struck.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, especially in cases involving individuals who may be in distress or not posing an immediate threat. The family's call for transparency through the release of bodycam footage reflects a broader push for accountability in policing.

The details

According to the police incident report, the officer found Brown asleep in his vehicle at an intersection and ordered him to "get back." The report states that Brown became confrontational and swung at the officer, who then struck Brown twice in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the asphalt. However, the family's attorney disputes this account, saying Brown simply brushed the officer's arm away before being punched. The family says Brown suffered a broken jaw, broken nose, and permanent brain damage as a result of the incident.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on February 28, 2026 along Security Boulevard at Whitehead Road in Woodlawn, Baltimore County.

The players

Samuel Brown

A 57-year-old man who was the subject of the welfare check and suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw, broken nose, and permanent brain damage.

Roberto Silver

Also known as D.J. Quicksilva, a friend of Samuel Brown who spoke on behalf of the family at a protest demanding the release of bodycam footage.

Billy Murphy

The family's attorney, who described a different sequence of events than what was reported by police.

Baltimore County Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the use of force incident and the officer involved.

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What they’re saying

“We were told on day one that this happened by a slip and fall on the ice, and he hit his head. That's what we were told. We now know that was a lie.”

— Roberto Silver, Friend of Samuel Brown

“Big Sam brushed his arm away.”

— Billy Murphy, Family Attorney

“These terrible injuries caused him to become permanently brain dead. The doctors have told his loving family there's no more they can do for him.”

— Billy Murphy, Family Attorney

What’s next

The family says they will not know the full details of the incident until they are able to view the bodycam footage, which the police have not yet released due to the ongoing investigation. The policy provides around 20 days for the police to release the video, and the family will see it before it goes public.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for greater transparency and accountability in policing, especially when it comes to use of force incidents. The family's demands for the release of bodycam footage reflect a broader push for law enforcement agencies to be more forthcoming with information that can shed light on controversial encounters and help rebuild public trust.