Here are the facts on the late Freddie Gray of Baltimore: |
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Freddie Gray had a pre-existing spinal and neck injury and had
severe nerve damage and scar tissue from an accident that Allstate
Insurance was paying him for, in a structured settlement. This
monthly payment and drug money were his means of support. Freddie
had had several unsuccessful spinal fusion surgeries over the past 4
1/2 years. His most recent spinal/cervical operation was a week and
a half before he was arrested on April 12.
He was on doctor's orders to remain home and in bed to speed
recovery from that major operation. Instead, Freddie was out
manufacturing and distributing drugs on the streets of Baltimore,
and strenuously resisting arrest.
Freddie had a long criminal history (rap sheet): many pages long
for manufacturing and distributing drugs and controlled substances,
including heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana. He had been
convicted of numerous other felonies including assault, firearms
violations, breaking and entering, armed robbery, receiving stolen
property, and the list goes on and on from his 18th birthday. In
Baltimore County, juvenile records are forever sealed except by
judicial order.
(www.mdjudiciarycaseresearch)
Freddie, known on the streets as "Pepper", was 25 years old, 5'8"
and weighed 145 lbs. when last arrested. He had been incarcerated
at least 12 times, the longest stretch being 2 years in
prison in Maryland.
Freddie had recently tried to convert his structured settlement from
Allstate into a lump sum payment from Peachtree Funding, of
Atlanta. Friends say he was confused by the paperwork and legal
terminology.
Following his arrest, Freddie was placed into the paddy wagon by the
police officers who had arrested him ---- black officers, all of
them. He could have easily slipped on the floor or bench, or
twisted his neck or shoulders to reopen his recently fused and
weakened spine. Enroute to the County jail, the paddy wagon stopped
once so that officers could put leg restraints on Freddie to calm
him down and restrict his movement.
Freddie was a dangerous career felon, well-known to the BPD
officers, with a damaged and healing spine and neck, and was
supposed to be home healing a week and a half after surgery. He
should not have been running around on the streets of Baltimore
committing drug felonies and resisting arrest.
Now, why are so many residents of Baltimore destroying their own
city with looting and arson? Because it's a good way to get new
shoes and TVs for free? Seems to be. They sure know how to pick
their heroes, don't they?
By the way, none of the eight BPD officers who arrested Freddy has
ever had a complaint against him for brutality or use of excessive
force.
Freddie Grays arrest record:
03-20-15
dealing cocaine
08-28-08 possession of narcotics
10-05-12 illegal gambling
01-25-14 possession of narcotics over 10 grams
08-24-07 manufacturing and distribution narcotics
08/29-07 distribution of narcotics
09-16-08 distribution of narcotics
04-16-08 distribution of narcotics
05-09-12 distribution of narcotics
01-04-15 distribution of narcotics
12-31-14 distribution of narcotics
05-13-14 stolen property
07-16-08 distribution of narcotics
03-28-08 possession of narcotics
02-12-08 distribution of narcotics
09-29-13 distribution of narcotics
12-04-14 distribution of narcotics
12-04-14 possession of narcotics
03-20-08 burglary
03-20-08 possession of narcotics
09-21-07 distribution of narcotics
04-30-08 unlawful possession (two counts)
(Source Maryland Dept of Justice)
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