Freddie Gray Arrest Record And Criminal History Released, Sparks Outrage And Debate

Freddie Gray’s untimely death has turned the city of Baltimore, MD upside down. For those who missed this story, Gray, 25, suffered a number of unexplained injuries while in police custody, which led to his death on Apr. 19.

Although it has been reported that Gray made eye-contact with an officer and ran, his action were reportedly due to previous physical altercations he’d been involved in with police officers. The series of events that led to Gray’s death are still unknown, and the lack of details has sparked outrage in the metropolitan city.

The citizens want answers. However, the way many have chosen to seek justice has left the city in a severe state of unrest. Protesters, looters and riots have turned the city into what CNN has declared an “absolute war zone.” But, now a recent report has sparked yet another controversial debate about whether “Justice For Freddie” is worth a fight, reports Clash Daily.

According to Heavy.com, documents detailing Gray’s criminal history have been released. It has been reported that Gray has an extensive record with at least 18 arrests. However, all of the arrests did not lead to convictions. Gray pleaded guilty to a number of one-count charges, while others where eventually dropped.

• March 20, 2015: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
• March 13, 2015: Malicious destruction of property, second-degree assault
• January 20, 2015: Fourth-degree burglary, trespassing
• January 14, 2015: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute
• December 31, 2014: Possession of narcotics with intent to distribute
• December 14, 2014: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• August 31, 2014: Illegal gambling, trespassing
• January 25, 2014: Possession of marijuana
• September 28, 2013: Distribution of narcotics, unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance, second-degree assault, second-degree escape
• April 13, 2012: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance, violation of probation
• July 16, 2008: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute
• March 28, 2008: Unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• March 14, 2008: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to manufacture and distribute
• February 11, 2008: Unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• August 29, 2007: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, violation of probation
• August 28, 2007: Possession of marijuana
• August 23, 2007: False statement to a peace officer, unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• July 16, 2007: Possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts)

According to Clash Daily, the newly released document has sparked quite a debate, because many readers are now arguing about whether justice should be sought for Gray’s death.

Of course, there are some readers who have supported the Baltimore Police Department by harshly insisting that Gray was a career criminal, and he should have simply complied with the officers instead of running.

However, many argue the incident that led to his death has nothing to do with his prior criminal history. If his arrest that day was drug-related, he should be behind bars – not in a casket. In a nutshell, most readers are still insisting the Baltimore police officers involved should be held accountable for their actions.

Here are some of the comments:

“Enough said. The guy clearly was a problem this is a career Criminal. They don’t just grow out of it its who they are stop making excuses for him.”

“Whatever he has done in the past does not condone what police have done to this young man. These are charges, not convictions. Most are non-violent. I see absolutely no evidence here implied or otherwise that he was a definite that while in custody, or could be. Think. We need to be able to trust the system in which we are forced to live. What happened to this man is questionable enough to cause GREAT concern among the citizens here. Stop focusing on trying to make him look bad for no apparent reason, and focus on true justice for us all. Use your head.”

Details about the Apr. 12 arrest prior to Gray’s death are still unclear. Although officers reportedly stated that they believed Gray was “immediately involved or had been recently involved in criminal activity,” the speculation has not been confirmed.

He has only been charged with unlawful possession of a switch blade knife, reports The Baltimore Sun. Other than the charge for the knife that was discovered after Gray was detained, no other charges were brought against him.

Do you think the Baltimore Police Department had probable cause for their behavior toward Freddie Gray based on his criminal history? Share your thoughts.

[Image via Fox News]