Video Released Of Fatal Baltimore Crash That Collapsed Building

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland state authorities on Thursday released footage of Baltimore police pursuing a stolen car which later crashed into a pedestrian and a vacant building, killing the man and causing the structure to collapse.

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division released footage from an officer's body-worn camera and the CitiWatch surveillance system showing the fatal crash following an attempted traffic stop in East Baltimore on Feb. 8.

According to an earlier release, Baltimore police officer Devon Yancy was pursuing a stolen Hyundai Sonata following a failed traffic stop near North Patterson Park and East North avenues. Officers followed the Hyundai to the intersection of North Wolfe Street and East North Avenue, where it collided with a sedan.

According to authorities, the Hyundai and the sedan struck 54-year-old Alfred Fincher of Baltimore on the sidewalk before crashing into a vacant row home.

Surveillance footage shows the building immediately collapse on both cars, as well as Fincher. Warning: This video shows footage of a fatal crash and may be disturbing to some viewers.

Fincher was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

The occupants of both cars were taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to authorities.

The driver of the Hyundai — identified as 33-year-old Shawn Lee Brunson by the Baltimore Sun — was arrested on vehicle theft charges after he was released from the hospital.

In the footage, an unidentified speaker tells officers to "just let it go" as the Hyundai continued to evade police.

"The officer did not break off the pursuit, and Alfred Fincher is dead," Divya Potdar, a Baltimore attorney representing Fincher's surviving family, told the Baltimore Sun.

Baltimore police policy states officers can chase a fleeing vehicle if there is a felony suspect inside who poses an "immediate threat" of death or injury, the Sun reported, or if there is probable cause that he or she committed a felony that resulted or could have resulted in death or serious injury.

Officers are specifically prohibited from pursuing a car if the initial violation is a "crime against property," including auto theft or a misdemeanor, traffic offense or nonviolent warrant, according to the Sun.

In an interview with The Baltimore Banner, Fincher's daughter and sister said he was a father of three looking forward to new twin grandchildren.

"We're trusting in the legal system to do what needs to be done," Georgetta Fincher said. "All we're doing right now is processing his loss; that's all we can focus on right now."

Yancy remains on full active duty, a police spokeswoman told the Banner on Thursday. The Baltimore State's Attorney's Office will decide whether to charge the officer.