Keilty Bonadio Files Civil Rights Lawsuits Against Baltimore County and Criminal Apprehension Support Team

The law firm Keilty Bonadio has filed two significant federal civil rights lawsuits against Baltimore County and its specialized Criminal Apprehension Support Team (CAST).

These lawsuits stem from two separate incidents involving the same officer and unit, highlighting alleged patterns of excessive force and violations of constitutional rights.

Overview of the Lawsuits

1. Rose v. Baltimore County
   Filed on behalf of Shane Radomski by his legal guardian, Jacob Lee Rose, this case involves a shooting on April 14, 2022, where Radomski, not the subject of an arrest warrant, suffered multiple gunshot wounds at the hands of CAST officers. Radomski was left with permanent physical and mental disabilities. The lawsuit alleges that the officers:
   • Used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
   • Failed to follow Baltimore County’s use-of-force policies.
   • Operated without body-worn cameras, reducing accountability.
2. McCourry v. Baltimore County
   Filed on behalf of the family of Brian Roger McCourry Jr., this lawsuit addresses a January 31, 2023 incident where McCourry was fatally shot by the same CAST team. Allegations in this case include:
   • Unjustified use of lethal force while McCourry was attempting to flee.
   • Systemic failures in the CAST unit that led to McCourry’s death.

Rose Case: Key Findings from Court Proceedings

The Rose case focuses on events in Dundalk, Maryland, where officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant. According to court documents:

• Officers arrived in unmarked vehicles with guns drawn, surrounding Radomski’s car.
• Radomski, attempting to flee, collided with an officer’s vehicle. Despite this, evidence shows no immediate threat to officers or others when shots were fired.
• Officer Trenary, a member of the CAST unit, fired multiple rounds through Radomski’s windshield even as Radomski posed no imminent danger.

The Court’s Findings:

• The court noted that CAST officers violated the County’s Use of Force Policy by continuing to shoot after the threat had subsided.
• The officers’ actions raised serious questions about their adherence to constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment.
• The absence of body–worn cameras for CAST members was criticized as a deliberate policy that reduced oversight and accountability.

Systemic Issues Highlighted in the Lawsuits

Both lawsuits allege systemic failures within Baltimore County’s police department, particularly the CAST unit. The claims include:

1. Lack of Oversight:
   • CAST officers were exempt from the body-worn camera program, which Baltimore County Police claim was implemented to ensure accountability during confrontational encounters.
2. Excessive Force:
   • In both cases, officers fired on unarmed individuals, contradicting the Supreme Court’s Tennessee v. Garner standard that prohibits deadly force unless there is an imminent threat of serious harm.
3. Customs Encouraging Misconduct:
   • The County allegedly fostered a culture where officers in specialized units felt empowered to violate constitutional rights with impunity.

The Role of Body-Worn Cameras

A significant factor in both cases is the absence of body-worn cameras. While Baltimore County implemented a program for most officers, the CAST unit was excluded.

• The lawsuits argue that this exclusion created a lack of transparency, reducing public trust and enabling misconduct.
• Judge Rubin specifically highlighted that this policy undermines accountability, especially in high-stakes operations like those involving CAST.

Community Impact and Broader Implications

The incidents involving Shane Radomski and Brian McCourry have ignited public concern about police practices in Baltimore County.

• Civil Rights Advocates: Call for reforms to ensure specialized units like CAST adhere to constitutional standards and accountability measures.
• Legal Precedents: These cases may influence future rulings on law enforcement practices, particularly regarding the use of force and the deployment of body-worn cameras.

Keilty Bonadio’s Commitment to Justice

Keilty Bonadio’s attorneys emphasized the importance of these cases in holding law enforcement accountable. Speaking on the lawsuits, “These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader issue within specialized police units. Our goal is to seek justice for the victims and push for systemic changes to prevent future violations.”

Conclusion

The lawsuits filed by Keilty Bonadio against Baltimore County and its CAST unit shine a light on critical issues in modern policing, including the use of force, accountability, and the role of systemic policies in fostering misconduct.

As these cases progress, they serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and adherence to constitutional rights in law enforcement. The outcomes could drive meaningful reforms within Baltimore County and beyond, ensuring greater protections for citizens and restoring public trust in the justice system.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of police misconduct, contact Keilty Bonadio today at 410-469-9953 for a free consultation. Together, we can seek the justice and accountability you deserve.