City Officer Charged Following 2014 Police-Involved Shooting

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore police charge one of their own with attempted murder. The officer shot a burglary suspect last December while he was already down.

Christie Ileto speaks to the man who was shot.

Officer Wesley Cagle was responding to a December 2014 burglary when his actions made him the suspect in another crime.

"Charges were filed this afternoon against Baltimore Police Officer Wesley Cagle," Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Wednesday.

Documents reveal after police had burglary suspect Michael Johansen lying on the floor, Cagle aimed and fired at Johansen's groin.

"After he was shooting me, I asked him was it like a bean bag gun," said Johansen.

Johansen shares what happened next to WJZ.

"And he said, 'No. It was a .40 caliber, you piece of [expletive],'" said Johansen. "All I had on me was a cell phone and a wallet."

The incident occurred after Johansen had already been shot by two officers, whose actions are deemed justified. Officials say Johansen reached down when told to show his hands.

"No police commissioner, no police chief likes to report that one of our own engaged in criminal misconduct. So that's a punch in the gut," said Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis.

Cagle's charges come months after charges were filed against the six officers in the Freddie Gray case.

Jason Rodriguez heads the nonprofit watchdog group Copwatch.

"This is just a start," he said. "Until we have officers fully charged and are sentenced, that would set the example."

But Cagle is the first officer in seven years to be criminally charged in an on-duty shooting -- what many say may be a shift in keeping cops accountable.

If Cagle is found guilty of attempted first-degree murder, he could face life in prison -- something Johansen says he doesn't want for the officer.

No weapon was ever recovered on Johansen. He is, however, charged with burglary. He's out on bond, waiting for his trial next month.