Baltimore Police Release Video of Upton Neighborhood Shooting

Footage shows confrontation that led to officer firing single shot, critically injuring suspect Tavon Newton.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Taser dart against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a police shooting incident.The use of force by police, particularly in communities with a history of strained relations, continues to be a source of tension and debate.Baltimore Today

Baltimore police have released new video footage from a police shooting that occurred on April 2 in the Upton neighborhood. The incident began when officers responded to a reported fight and encountered Tavon Newton, who then fled on foot. After a pursuit, officers deployed their Tasers multiple times, and video captured Newton grabbing for one of the officer's Tasers, at which point the officer fired a single shot, critically injuring Newton.

Why it matters

The release of the video footage is part of the department's effort to be transparent about use-of-force incidents, which have been a source of ongoing community concern and tension in Baltimore. The shooting has also renewed discussions around police tactics, de-escalation, and the appropriate use of force.

The details

According to the video and police accounts, officers were alerted to a fight in the Upton neighborhood through the city's CitiWatch camera system. When they arrived, one of the individuals involved, Tavon Newton, fled on foot. Officers pursued Newton to a parking lot, where they deployed their Tasers multiple times. Footage then shows Newton reaching for one of the officer's Tasers, at which point the officer fired a single shot, critically injuring Newton.

  • The incident occurred on April 2, 2026.
  • Newton was taken to the hospital in critical condition following the shooting.
  • Newton has since been charged with multiple weapons charges and resisting arrest.

The players

Tavon Newton

A man involved in the reported fight who fled from police and was shot by an officer after grabbing for the officer's Taser.

Baltimore Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported fight, pursued Newton, and ultimately shot him.

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What’s next

The officer who shot Newton remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions surrounding police use of force, particularly in communities where trust in law enforcement has been strained. The release of the video footage is an attempt by the Baltimore Police Department to be more transparent, but it is likely to spark further debate and discussion around appropriate tactics and de-escalation strategies.