Freddie Gray Case: Seatbelt, Arrest Questioned in Officer Trial

The arrest of Freddie Gray and the decision not to seatbelt him in a police van were two points that prosecutors reportedly honed in on Thursday during the first day of trial for Officer Edward Nero.

Nero, 30, of Bel Air, is charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office related to the detainment of Gray.

Gray was arrested April 12, 2015, and died a week later from an injury prosecutors allege he got in a police van.

Officials said Nero was patrolling an area off North Avenue on bicycle on April 12 when he and Officer Garrett Miller chased Gray, who made eye contact with their lieutenant and ran from them.

Upon taking Gray into custody in the 1700 block of Presbury Street, the officers said they found a knife in Gray's front pants pocket.

Chief Deputy State's Attorney Michael Schatzow said there was no reason to arrest Gray, other than that Nero's supervisor said over the police radio that he was pursuing the man, which was not probable cause, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Once Gray was in custody, Nero and his fellow officers did not buckle Gray into the police transport van, a policy that had reportedly taken effect that month but was also up to officer discretion.

Several witnesses from the police department testified about the training and instructions that officers had been given to buckle detainees into police transport vans, according to WBAL, which reported that prosecutors called 10 witnesses Thursday.

The case will continue on Friday with additional testimony.

Officials have reportedly said the trial may span five days.

See Also:

• Officer in Freddie Gray Case Opts for Trial by Judge
• Bel Air Resident is Among 6 Officers Charged in Freddie Gray Case
• Officer Charged in Freddie Gray Case Challenges Claims

Pictured, Officer Edward Nero. File Photo.