Baltimore Police Officer Charged After Viral Video Sparks Attempted Murder Case

Officer Robert Parks faces up to 65 years in prison as city leaders vow accountability amid renewed scrutiny of policing practices.

Updated November 2025

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Police officer seen in a viral video allegedly using his patrol car to chase down a man in Park Heights has been formally indicted on multiple felony charges, including attempted second-degree murder, in a case that has reignited debate over police conduct and accountability in the city.

According to State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, Officer Robert Parks, a five-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), faces the following charges:

• Attempted second-degree murder

• First- and second-degree assault

• Reckless driving

• Misconduct in office

If convicted on all counts, Parks could face up to 65 years in prison.

Incident Overview

The charges stem from an incident captured on cellphone video in late October near the 7600 block of Wylie Avenue in Northwest Baltimore. The video, which circulated widely across social media platforms, shows a man walking away from a police encounter before Parks allegedly accelerates his marked cruiser toward him, driving over a sidewalk and through a fence.

Prosecutors say the video footage, combined with witness testimony and departmental records, provided sufficient evidence to bring the case before a grand jury.

“The charges brought forward in this indictment reflect the seriousness and dangerous nature of the actions we all witnessed in the viral video,”said State’s Attorney Ivan Bates in a written statement.“No one is above the law, and we must hold individuals accountable when their conduct endangers the public.”

Department and City Response

Following the indictment, Police Commissioner Richard Worley reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“What is seen in this video is disturbing and alarming,” Worley said. “This is not how we expect our officers to behave. The actions in this case do not reflect the values or standards of the Baltimore Police Department. We remain committed to rebuilding trust with our community and holding officers accountable for their actions.”

The officer has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and internal affairs review.

Mayor Brandon Scott also addressed the case, emphasizing that officers must be held to the same legal standards as the public they serve.

“This officer’s actions were unacceptable and completely at odds with how we expect our public servants to act,” Scott said in a statement.“If convicted, this officer will be terminated in accordance with city policy. We will continue pushing forward reforms that make accountability a core principle of policing in Baltimore.”

Community Reaction

For many residents, the incident reignited frustration over long-standing tensions between police and the communities they serve. The neighborhood of Park Heights, where the encounter occurred, has been the site of multiple police-involved controversies over the past decade.

Local resident Tyrone Jackson, who witnessed part of the incident, told WBAL-TV that the video “shattered trust.”

“When you think of a police officer, you think they’re here to protect and to serve,” Jackson said. “So, when you see one chasing a man with his car, it kind of blights that idea. It’s good that the officer is being held accountable.”

The man targeted in the video, who has not been publicly identified, reportedly suffered minor injuries and has retained legal counsel. Civil rights attorneys have indicated that a separate civil lawsuit may follow the criminal proceedings.

Legal Outlook

Court records show Parks has not entered a plea. His attorney has declined public comment. The case will proceed to pre-trial hearings in Baltimore City Circuit Court.

Legal analysts note that prosecutors face a high burden in proving attempted murder, but the video evidence could play a decisive role.“Video footage often removes ambiguity in use-of-force cases,” said University of Baltimore law professor David Jaros. “If the prosecution can show intent and reckless disregard for life, that will strengthen their argument for an attempted murder conviction.”

The Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office has emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional evidence could be presented as the case moves forward.

Background and Reform Context

The Baltimore Police Department remains under federal oversight as part of a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice stemming from a 2017 investigation into unconstitutional policing practices. The incident involving Officer Parks could have implications for ongoing federal monitoring efforts, particularly regarding officer conduct and pursuit policies.

Civil rights advocates say the case underscores both progress and ongoing challenges. While some credit city leadership for swiftly addressing misconduct, others argue that systemic issues persist.

“Accountability should not rely on a viral video,” said Marvin Cheatham, former president of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP. “It has to be built into the structure of how BPD operates — from training to supervision.”

What Comes Next

Parks is expected to appear in court for arraignment in the coming weeks. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years for attempted murder alone, plus additional time for assault and misconduct charges. A trial date has not yet been set.

The BPD’s Internal Affairs Division and the city’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights are conducting separate investigations into whether departmental policy was violated and whether additional officers were involved or failed to intervene.

City officials say they hope the case will reaffirm a message of transparency and responsibility.

“This is about trust,” said Council President Nick Mosby. “When the public sees swift and fair accountability, it helps rebuild confidence that our institutions can deliver justice.”

At a Glance: Officer Parks Case

• Charges: Attempted second-degree murder, first/second-degree assault, reckless driving, misconduct in office

• Maximum Penalty: Up to 65 years in prison

• Status: Suspended without pay

• Next Step: Arraignment and pre-trial hearings in Baltimore City Circuit Court

• Incident Location: Wylie Avenue, Park Heights neighborhood

• Captured On: Viral cellphone video, October 2025