Sister of Man Shot by Baltimore Police Speaks Out

LaShawn Newton says her brother Tavon was unarmed and not a threat when he was shot by an officer

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:02am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass, capturing the harsh, gritty aftermath of a police-involved incident in Baltimore.The aftermath of a police shooting in Baltimore exposes the fragility and tension underlying the city's ongoing struggle with law enforcement accountability.Baltimore Today

The sister of a 35-year-old man shot by Baltimore police on Thursday spoke with WBAL-TV 11 News a few hours after the shooting. LaShawn Newton told the news station that it was her brother, Tavon Newton, who was shot just before 12:15 p.m. by a Baltimore police officer. She said her brother was lying on the ground and not fighting when the officer shot him.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Baltimore community and police, with concerns about use of force and whether officers are properly trained to de-escalate confrontations without resorting to lethal measures. The shooting also raises questions about transparency and accountability in police-involved shootings.

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 Tavon Newton and a struggle ensued. Police say Newton grabbed an officer's Taser, and that's when the officer fired one shot, striking Newton. Police say a handgun and knife were found in Newton's satchel.

  • The incident occurred just before 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Newton was taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition.

The players

Tavon Newton

A 35-year-old Baltimore resident who was shot by a police officer.

LaShawn Newton

The sister of Tavon Newton, who spoke out about the incident.

Richard Worley

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

Brandon Scott

The Mayor of Baltimore, who released a statement about the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My brother was laying on the ground. He was on his stomach. One officer had his arms (down), and he was just lying flat, and the guy got up and shot him.”

— LaShawn Newton, Sister of Tavon Newton

“The officer must have felt in fear that he needed to use the weapon and stepped back and fired a shot.”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner

“I don't see where he was fearing for his life. I don't see where there was any danger of any of that. I just see that my brother got shot, unarmed laying on the ground, and not fighting nobody, not doing anything, just lying on the ground.”

— LaShawn Newton, Sister of Tavon Newton

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. Tavon Newton is expected to be charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

The takeaway

This incident has further strained the relationship between the Baltimore community and its police force, raising concerns about the use of force, transparency, and accountability in police-involved shootings. It underscores the need for continued dialogue and reforms to rebuild trust and ensure the safety of all residents.