05 Apr Maryland police trainer faces weapons offense charge of assault

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Weapons Crimes on Friday, April 5, 2013.

Whenever Maryland police officials face criminal charges, an already-stressful process may seem even more intimidating than it does for the average citizen. Police officers are tasked with protecting citizens and the community at large. Allegations that they have somehow failed in that duty may paint an officer in a negative light, often unfairly considering that our judicial system guarantees each and every citizen the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. One Maryland police trainer is now facing a weapons offense charge of assault and reckless endangerment after an accident during a recent training exercise.

Reports indicate that the training exercise may have been unauthorized. During the incident, a police training supervisor purportedly aimed a weapon that he thought was a paintball-like gun toward a recruit. Unfortunately, the supervisor had somehow mistaken his actual service weapon for the other gun and fired at the recruit. The recruit was shot directly in the head and suffered critical injuries as a result.

Statements released by a representative of the police trainer indicate that the incident was a tragic accident. The representative stressed that the man never meant for anyone to get hurt. The officer turned himself in at the Golden Ring state police barracks. He was ultimately released based upon his own recognizance.

Maryland prosecutors have charged the police trainer with a weapons offense charge of assault, along with reckless endangerment, in the wake of the accidental shooting. While it may be tempting for members of the community to rush to judgment, it can be important to remember that all individuals have the right to be presumed innocent. Prosecutors must overcome a high burden of proof in order to prove someone guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This police official is guaranteed the same presumption of innocence as any other citizen while his case is ongoing.

Source: PoliceOne.com, “Md. trainer who shot recruit faces assault charges,” Justin Fenton and Jessica Anderson, March 28, 2013