Baltimore cop in ‘grave condition’ after he was shot

A member of the Baltimore police force was left in ‘grave condition’ after he was shot in the head by a man Wednesday in a troubled area of the city’s western district.

Baltimore police said in a tweet that one of their own was shot Wednesday evening and urged people to ‘please say an extra prayer for the officer and the officer’s family’.

The department did not immediately disclose the 18-year-old officer’s name or any other specifics following the 4.30pm shooting.

Authorities said the officer was shot by a man who approached him while engaging in ‘suspicious behavior’

Authorities said the officer was shot by a man who approached him while engaging in ‘suspicious behavior,’ according to Fox 45. 

The officer is reportedly in ‘grave condition’ and on life support in the intensive care unit. 

Police cordoned off streets in the West Baltimore area and a tactical unit combed alleyways as they searched for a shooter. 

Numerous cruisers responded and a police helicopter buzzed overhead, illuminating streets below with a searchlight.

The neighborhood where the officer was shot has a number of vacant row houses and has been the scene of numerous shootings over the years.

Mayor Catherine Pugh, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis and other officials gathered at the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center where the officer was apparently being treated. They did not talk with reporters.

Wednesday’s shooting of the police officer comes amid a particularly violent period in Baltimore.

So far this year, the city of less than 620,000 inhabitants has seen over 300 homicides.

The neighborhood where the officer was shot has a number of vacant row houses and has been the scene of numerous shootings over the years

Mayor Catherine Pugh, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis and other officials gathered at the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center where the officer was apparently being treated