Bel Air officer in deadly traffic stop shooting had joined department 2 months earlier
The Bel Air police officer whofatally shot a man during a traffic stop on Saturday had been with the department for two months, the Independent Investigations Division of the Attorney General’s office said Monday afternoon.
The officer was identified as Christopher Birch, who has three years of law enforcement experience and has worked for the employed with Bel Air Police Department for two months.
Video above:Bel Air police shooting video shows man running before deadly traffic stop (Aug. 17)
Birch is assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division and is on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Baltimore City Police confirmed Birch was employed by their police department from May 2023 until June 8, 2026.
The attorney general’s office also identified the man shot was as 57-year-old Francisco Aparicio-Munoz.
On Monday, WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates obtained video that shows flashing police cruiser lights and audible shouting or screaming, though much of the action is obscured by vehicles.
Two people are seen standing up, and a man runs from behind the cars, followed by an officer who appears to fire his weapon.
Body camera footage must be released within 20 business days.
Police say the officer involved in the shooting was wearing a body camera at the time.
Bel Air police shooting video shows man running before deadly traffic stop
Maryland AG IID investigates Bel Air police traffic stop shooting that left driver dead
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