Crime & Safety

Death of Randallstown Teen by Off-Duty Cop Ruled Homicide

Autopsy reveals asphyxiation as the cause of death of a 17-year-old who was chased by a 9-year veteran police officer.

A 17-year-old Randallstown youth who died after fighting with an off-duty police officer on Wednesday night has been ruled the victim of homicide, according to officials.

On Thursday afternoon, the medical examiner's office reported that the cause of death of Christopher Brown, of the 3900 block of Carthage Rd., was asphyxiation.

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The officer, who chased and fought with Brown, has been placed on routine administrative leave while incident is being investigated. Once the Baltimore County homicide unit has finished its investigation, the Baltimore County State's Attorney will determine whether the homicide was justified.

According to police, the off-duty officer chased Brown after an incident at the policeman's house on Susanna Road. The identity of the officer, a 9-year veteran assigned to Precinct 2/Woodlawn, has not been released by police.

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At around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, a 911 call was received from a resident on the 4000 block of Starbrook Road who reported a police officer calling for help on her front lawn, according to police.

Police arrived on the scene to find the teenager unconscious on the ground and the off-duty officer giving CPR, officials said.

A medic unit was called, and the crew transported Brown to Northwest Hospital, where he was declared dead, according to police.

The incident began when the off-duty officer was at home and heard a loud bang. He discovered that his front door was damaged, and saw three or four people running away, police said.

The officer chased Brown across lawns and between houses for several blocks, ending at Starbrook Road, where the officer heard Brown hiding in some bushes, according to police.

The officer ordered the youth to come out of the bushes, and when he refused reached in to pull the youth out, police said. A fight ensued and the youth lapsed into unconsciousness, according to police.

Although the officer and Brown were neighbors, police said that they did not previously know each other.


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