Baltimore Police Identify Officer, Man in Upton Shooting

Authorities release details on last week's incident involving a struggle and firearm discharge.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:39am

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An extreme close-up of a handgun magazine, the metal and plastic surfaces sharply illuminated by a harsh, direct flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of the crime scene.A police investigation into a shooting incident in Baltimore's Upton neighborhood exposes the dangers and tensions that can arise during confrontations between law enforcement and the public.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Police have identified the officer and the 35-year-old man involved in a shooting incident last week in the Upton neighborhood. The confrontation began when officers responded to a report of an assault, leading to a foot pursuit, physical struggle, and the discharge of the officer's firearm, leaving the man in stable condition at a hospital.

Why it matters

Police use of force incidents, especially those involving firearms, are closely scrutinized in Baltimore and across the country. This case will likely undergo a thorough investigation to determine if the officer's actions were justified based on the circumstances.

The details

According to authorities, on Thursday around 12:15 p.m., Western District patrol officers responded to a report of an assault at the intersection of Wilson and Brunt streets. A detective monitoring CCTV footage directed officers to the suspects as they fled. When officers approached the suspect, later identified as Tavon Newton, he ran, leading to a brief foot pursuit. In a nearby parking lot, a struggle ensued, and Newton resisted officers' commands and refused to relinquish a black sling bag. An officer deployed a Taser, but Newton gained control of it. At that point, officer Devon Gubbar discharged his firearm, striking Newton. Newton was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police recovered a handgun from Newton's bag and a knife from the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, April 3, 2026 around 12:15 p.m.
  • Police identified the officer and man involved on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Devon Gubbar

A four-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department who discharged his firearm during the incident.

Tavon Newton

A 35-year-old man who was shot by the officer and is listed in stable condition at a hospital.

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What’s next

The investigation into the shooting incident is ongoing, and the findings will be reviewed by the State's Attorney's Office.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often tense interactions between police and community members, underscoring the need for thorough investigations, transparency, and continued efforts to build trust and improve public safety in Baltimore.