Baltimore Police Shoot Man After Taser Struggle

The sister of the 35-year-old man says he was not hurting anyone and was lying on the ground when shot.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police-issued Taser against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the central role of the Taser in this police shooting incident.A police Taser becomes a key piece of evidence in a shooting that has raised concerns about the use of force by Baltimore officers.Baltimore Today

Baltimore police shot a 35-year-old man on Thursday after a struggle over a Taser during which the man gained control of the weapon. The man's sister says he was lying on the ground and not fighting when he was shot, contradicting the police account.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Baltimore Police Department and the community, with concerns about the use of force and whether it was justified in this case. It also raises questions about police training and protocols around the escalation of force.

The details

According to police, officers monitoring CCTV video saw a fight between at least three people near Wilson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. They alerted patrol officers, who encountered a man, later identified as Tavon Newton, walking with a knife. After a brief foot chase, a struggle ensued and an officer tried to Tase Newton, but it had no effect. Newton then gained control of the Taser, at which point the officer fired one shot, striking Newton. Police say a handgun was found in Newton's satchel.

  • The incident occurred just before 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Newton is currently in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.

The players

Tavon Newton

A 35-year-old Baltimore resident who was shot by police after a struggle over a Taser.

LaShawn Newton

Tavon Newton's sister, who spoke to WBAL-TV 11 News and disputed the police account of the incident.

Richard Worley

Baltimore Police Commissioner, who provided details about the incident at a news conference.

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What they’re saying

“My brother was laying on the ground. He was on his stomach … the guy got up and shot him.”

— LaShawn Newton, Tavon Newton's sister

“If he's able to use that on the officers, then he just rendered the officer incapable of responding.”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner

What’s next

The Baltimore Police Department said the body-worn camera video will be reviewed and an investigation within the Public Integrity Bureau will be launched.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Baltimore Police Department and the community, with concerns about the use of force and whether it was justified in this case. It also raises questions about police training and protocols around the escalation of force.