Officer
charged with manslaughter in teen's death
TOWSON, Md. (AP) —
A Baltimore County police officer is facing manslaughter charges in the death
of a Randallstown teen during a struggle.
State's Attorney Scott
Shellenberger announced Wednesday that Officer James Laboard
was indicted on manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter charges in the death
of 17-year-old Christopher
Brown earlier this month.
Police say Brown
lost consciousness and died after a struggle with Laboard, who chased several
people from his home when he found his door damaged. Brown's death was ruled
homicide by asphyxiation.
Some, including
Brown's mother, raised concerns that the police officer was getting special
treatment, but Shellenberger says the case was treated like any other. Police
Chief James Johnson
says evidence shows that Laboard "stepped beyond the scope of his
employment." County officers facing
felony charges are suspended without pay.