Baltimore county police officer charged with excessive force and misconduct against handcuffed man

A veteran officer of the Baltimore County Police Department, Cpl. Zachary Small, is facing charges of using excessive force against a handcuffed man. The man alleges that Small pepper-sprayed him and confined him inside a hot patrol car despite his pleas for fresh air. Small has been charged with reckless endangerment, misconduct in office, and multiple counts of assault. His attorney, Brian Thompson, asserts Small's presumption of innocence and calls for withholding judgment until trial.

Charges against other officers

Additionally, two other officers, Justin Graham-Moore and Jacob Roos, were charged with misconduct in the same incident. The union representing Baltimore County police officers expressed support for due process and fairness mandated by the law for its members. The Baltimore County Police Department has acknowledged the charges and is cooperating with prosecutors.

Legal Process and Response

The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, which brought the case to a grand jury, declined to comment on the matter. Further details will be provided at a news conference on Tuesday.