Baltimore Police Identify Officer, Man Involved in West Baltimore Shooting

Shooting incident sparks community concern and calls for support in the aftermath

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police taser or handgun magazine, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the stark, gritty details of a police shooting incident.A police shooting in West Baltimore sparks community trauma and calls for greater transparency and support.Baltimore Today

Baltimore police have identified the officer and the man involved in last week's police shooting in the Upton neighborhood of West Baltimore. The man, Tavon Newton, is the sister of Lashawn Newton, who says her family is hurt and angry over what happened and is largely in the dark about how her brother is doing. The shooting has left the community shaken, with residents expressing fear and trauma over the incident.

Why it matters

Police shootings, especially in marginalized communities, can have a profound impact on public trust and safety. This incident has raised concerns about use of force, transparency, and the need for community support and stabilization efforts in the aftermath.

The details

According to police, the incident began when officers responded to a fight involving at least three people near Wilson and Pennsylvania Avenue. Police say they pursued a man they believed had a knife, took him to the ground, and tased him. The man then allegedly grabbed an officer's taser, prompting the officer to shoot him. The man, identified as Tavon Newton, is in stable condition. The officer who fired the shot is on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

  • The shooting occurred just after noon on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The police response and subsequent shooting was captured on video by witnesses.

The players

Tavon Newton

The man who was shot by police during the incident in West Baltimore's Upton neighborhood.

Lashawn Newton

The sister of Tavon Newton, who says her family is hurt and angry over what happened and is largely in the dark about her brother's condition.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Worley

The Baltimore police commissioner who provided details about the incident, including the officers' actions and the justification for the use of force.

Mayor Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who says the community will receive support and a neighborhood stabilization response in the aftermath of the shooting.

Elmer Warfield

A neighbor who witnessed the incident and expressed sadness and trauma over what he saw.

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 and he was just laying flat and the guy got up and shot him. So I don't see what he was fearing for his life.”

— Lashawn Newton, Sister of Tavon Newton

“If he's able to use that on the officers, then he just rendered the officer incapable of responding. So the officer felt it must have felt in fear that he needed to use the weapon and step back and fired a shot.”

— Michael Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner

“I see the cop tased him and shot the man. I feel sad about it. I feel sad anytime we have an incident like this, Jason, it impacts our whole community. It's a traumatic incident.”

— Elmer Warfield, Neighbor

What’s next

The officer who fired the shot is on administrative leave while the investigation into the use of force continues. Mayor Brandon Scott says the community will receive support and a neighborhood stabilization response in the aftermath of the shooting.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions surrounding police use of force, especially in marginalized communities. It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and comprehensive community support in the aftermath of such traumatic events.