Sister Speaks Out After Baltimore Police Shooting

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

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:34am

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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 investigative nature of this crime-related story.The use of force by police during this incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of de-escalation tactics and transparency around officer-involved shootings.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 incident. LaShawn Newton said her brother Tavon Newton was lying on the ground and not fighting when an officer shot him. Police say Tavon had a knife and a handgun, and that he grabbed an officer's Taser before the shooting.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between police and the community in Baltimore, with concerns about the use of force and whether officers followed proper escalation protocols. It also raises questions about mental health, de-escalation tactics, and transparency around police shootings.

The details

According to police, officers monitoring CCTV saw a fight between at least three people near Wilson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. They alerted patrol officers, who encountered Tavon Newton walking with a knife. After a brief foot chase and struggle, an officer Tased Newton, but it had no effect. Police say Newton then grabbed the Taser, and that's when the officer fired one shot, striking him. 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 was taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition.

The players

Tavon Newton

A 35-year-old Baltimore resident who was shot by police after an altercation.

LaShawn Newton

Tavon Newton's sister, who spoke to WBAL-TV 11 News about the incident.

Richard Worley

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

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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, Tavon Newton's sister

“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, Tavon Newton's sister

What’s next

The officer who fired the shot is on routine administrative leave, and the BPD 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 police and the community in Baltimore, with concerns about the use of force and whether officers followed proper escalation protocols. It also raises questions about mental health, de-escalation tactics, and the need for greater transparency around police shootings.