BALTIMORE (AP) — The latest on the trial of a Baltimore police officer who is charged with manslaughter in the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man who was injured in the back of a police transport van (all times local).
The Baltimore Police Department says that as a precaution, it has canceled leave for officers next week, when the jury in the trial of Officer William Porter is expected to deliberate its verdict.
Porter is the first of six officers to go on trial for his role in Gray’s arrest and death.
Police spokesman T.J. Smith said Friday that Commissioner Kevin Davis canceled leave “as part of preparations and out of an abundance of caution.” Smith says the period runs from Monday through Dec. 18. Officers will work 12-hour shifts.
Davis said in a statement that “the community has an expectation for us to be prepared for a variety of scenarios.”
Davis also canceled leave for officers in September during the first two pretrial hearings for Porter.
Gray’s April 19 death was followed by multiple peaceful demonstrations. But unrest broke out April 25 and again on April 27, bringing a curfew and the National Guard to the streets.