Last week, a Baltimore City Grand Jury returned a 2-count indictment against Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Officer Andre Maurice Pringle, for offenses that occurred on April 19, 2020 in the City of Baltimore, including one count of second degree assault and one count of misconduct in office. Pringle faces up to up to 10 years in prison for the assault charge. There is no statutory penalty for the misconduct charge, which is classified as a misdemeanor.
Last week’s indictment stems from an investigation led by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Public Trust and Police Integrity and Evidence Review Unit as well as BPD’s Body Worn Camera and Internal Affairs Division.
The indictment alleges that on the day of the incident – April 19, 2020 – at 3:18 p.m., Brandon Walker entered Shoppers Supermarket with a face mask on top of his head in violation of Governor Larry Hogan’s Order #20-04-15-01, which was renewed on March 17, 2020, and Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Executive Order, issued March 19, 2020.
Mr. Walker was using a crutch at the time and had a cast on his right foot.
A Shoppers Supermarket manager asked Walker to put his face mask on properly and he refused. The manager called store security who asked Walker to comply with the Governor’s Order or leave and again Walker refused. The manager then called Officer Pringle.
Officer Pringle, who was in full BPD uniform at the time, approached Walker and advised him that he had to leave the store. The two began walking towards the exit. Walker was yelling and cursing at Officer Pringle as they continued towards the automated entry/exit doors.
Officer Pringle and Walker entered the enclosed area between the two sets of automated doors, when Walker stopped and glared at Officer Pringle. Walker then turned back around and Officer Pringle responded by grabbing him by his jacket and shoving him out of the store’s exit. Once outside, Officer Pringle slammed Walker to the ground, face first, causing Mr. Walker to hit his head on the concrete.
Officer Pringle then got on top of Walker and folded his left leg upward forcing Walker’s left foot to his buttocks. The contact which started with the shove and continued through the arrest resulted in intentional, harmful, offensive, and unwanted touching by Officer Pringle.
At all times, Officer Pringle was a sworn public officer, acting under color of his office. The physical assaults were not accidental, consented to, nor legally justified.
“This office remains committed to upholding one standard of justice regardless of who violates the law,” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby “This indictment alleges actions that we simply cannot tolerate or accept from those that are sworn to protect and serve the citizens of this city.”
Click here to read the full indictment.
