Baltimore Police release body-cam footage of officer-involved shooting with naked man

Baltimore Police Department released body-worn camera footage of a Southwest District police officer-involved shooting. The shooting occurred last month when a routine patrol took an unexpected turn when officers encountered a naked man on West Pratt Street.

The video takes place on Dec. 30, 2023, at approximately 9:15 a.m., when Southwest District patrol officers were responding to a burglary call when they observed a naked man standing on the corner in the 2000 block of West Pratt Street.

The man is seen in the video walking into a convenience store, and officers parked their vehicle to investigate further. Once inside, an employee of the store informed officers that the man, identified as 37-year-old Russom Gebretsadik, had gone upstairs in the rear of the building.

Officers proceeded to the rear of the building and attempted to talk to the Gebretsadik, at which point he began to throw items at officers. Officers called for backup and were able to retrieve a ballistic shield. Officers then went up multiple flights of steps and cleared several rooms in an attempt to locate Gebretsadik. Once on the third floor, Gebretsadik emerged from behind a door with a combat knife and a machete and began advancing toward officers.

One officer fired his weapon five times, striking Gebretsadik once in his leg.

According to police, the involved Baltimore Police officer has been identified as Officer James Stokes, a 9-year veteran of the Department.