New Report Reveals Baltimore Jails Rejected Nearly 2,600 People Because of Their Severe Injuries
A new report published by The Baltimore Sun reveals more than 2,500 people arrested by Baltimore police within the last three years have been turned away from the city's jail because they were suffering from severe injuries.
According to newly released public records provided to The Sun through a Maryland Public Information Act, correction officers at the Baltimore City Detention Center rejected almost 2,600 people from city jails due to the severity of their injuries while in police custody. The records show that many of the detainees had a variety of medical issues, which included broken bones and facial trauma. In addition, 123 of the detainees reported "visible head injuries."
The records, however, do not indicate how the suspects were injured or whether they were injured while in custody.
The report comes as the Baltimore police department is under intense scrutiny following the death of Freddie Gray last month. Gray, a 25-year-old black man, died of a severe and critical neck injury on April 19, exactly seven days after he was apprehended by Baltimore police. According to officials, Gray was taken into custody for carrying a switchblade knife after being chased by police on the morning of April 12. However, an investigation determined there are no laws barring the knife he was carrying, which means his arrest was illegal.
Cellphone footage of Gray's arrest also revealed that Gray's legs appeared to be limp as he was being dragged into a police van. Witnesses at the scene also said that Gray was screaming in pain and his legs did not seem to be functioning properly.
After a string of protests and rioting, the six officers involved in Gray's death were arrested.
Last week, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch traveled to Maryland to meet with officials and community leaders about the unrest that erupted in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray. She also spoke with about 10 students at the university, assuring them that the Justice Department is committed to offering them long-term support.
"We have issues to deal with," Lynch told the gathering, according to NBC News. "We are here to hold your hands and provide support."
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!