Arresting Police Officer to Testify in Freddie Gray Case

BALTIMORE, MD – One of the arresting officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray will be forced to testify in two upcoming trials, a judge ordered Wednesday.

Despite his pending case—Officer Garrett Miller goes to trial in July—Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams reportedly compelled him to testify as a witness in the trials of his colleagues Lt. Brian Rice and Officer Edward Nero.

The trio is among six Baltimore Police officers charged in connection with the death of Gray, the 25-year-old Baltimore man arrested April 12, 2015, who died a week later from an injury prosecutors say he got in a police van.

Rice led the pursuit that resulted in Gray’s arrest, according to police. The lieutenant made eye contact with Gray on North Avenue, then gave chase, at which point Miller and Nero allegedly followed Gray by bike.

Miller and Nero arrested Gray in the 1700 block of Presbury Street, officials said. Both officers are charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office.

State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said the arrest was without probable cause, claimed the officers failed to provide an inhaler upon Gray's request and alleged there was force involved in the arrest.

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Nero is the first of six officers to stand trial in connection with Gray's death since Judge Williams declared a mistrial in the case of Officer William Porter in December.

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled in March that Porter could be ordered to testify at the other officers' trials although he is charged in the same case and is awaiting retrial, granted he be given immunity. As a result, Porter will be compelled to testify in the upcoming trials of his five colleagues.

Because of the ruling, Judge Williams said Miller could also be ordered to testify, WBAL reported.

Officer Trial Dates

• Officer Edward Nero—May 10
• Officer Caesar Goodson—June 6
• Lt. Brian Rice—July 5
• Officer Garrett Miller—July 27
• Officer William Porter—Sept. 6
• Sgt. Alicia White—Oct. 13