Watch CBS News

Police Release Body Cam Video Of Fatal Police-Involved Shooting

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- 18-year-old Curtis Deal led Baltimore City officers on a foot chase while carrying a gun before being gunned down himself.

Rick Ritter breaks down the newly released video.

The commissioner spoke in length Thursday appearing frustrated at times.

He said Deal shouldn't have even been on the streets let alone carrying a loaded gun.

New body cam video shows the moments Curtis Deal was gunned down by police in the middle of a west Baltimore street.

Tuesday afternoon, the 18-year-old, known to detectives as a drug dealer, jumped out of a vehicle they were tailing.

A foot pursuit ensued and eventually Deal darts out of an alley and runs past an officer. Police said that's when video shows Deal pointing the gun at the officers, with his finger on the trigger before one officer fired at the 18-year-old, hitting him four times.

RELATED: Suspect Killed In Police-Involved Shooting; Got Out Of Jail On Monday

"Curtis deal had plenty of opportunities to get rid of the gun during a minute long foot chase. Curtis deal chose not to get rid of the gun and then decided to point the gun at an officer," said City police commissioner Kevin Davis.

Deal later died at Shock Trauma.

"It would be malpractice of a police department to let a guy with a gun, run from a car and we just say oh well and whistle on our way," said Baltimore Police spokesman T.J. Smith.

The 18-year-old has been arrested three times over the past month, twice for handgun violations. Police say a judge gave him reduced bond. Which is why Deal got out of jail the day before the incident.

Police said for Deal's most recent arrest, the state's attorney's office requested no bond but a judge gave him reduced bond at $250,000.

The commissioner says it's a perfect example of violent, repeat offenders slipping through the cracks.

"This didn't have to happen, this was absolutely a preventable thing. Curtis Deal should be behind bars," Davis said.

Even though the 18-year-old never pulled the trigger, police said the officer involved had every right to fear for his life.

The commissioner says whether that officer did the right thing isn't even up for debate.

"Mr. Deal pointed a loaded gun at Baltimore City officer. Period. Next question," he said.

The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as David Kinlaid, a five-year-veteran in the department. He's been placed on routine administrative leave.

Since the body camera program went into place, this is the second time Baltimore City police have released footage of a police involved shooting.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.