Baltimore, MD – According to The Baltimore Sun, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General released body-worn camera footage on March 4, 2026, detailing a fatal police encounter in Baltimore County that resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man. The incident, which occurred last month in the Woodlawn area, has drawn significant attention to issues surrounding police use-of-force protocols and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
The footage captures a confrontation between Baltimore County Police Officer Derek Hadel, a nine-year veteran of the department, and Samuel “Big Sam” Brown. The encounter took place around 3:30 a.m. near Security Boulevard and Whitehead Court, prompted by reports of a man sitting in his vehicle for an extended period at a traffic light. Officer Hadel approached Brown’s car from the driver’s side and engaged in conversation with him.
As depicted in the video from Hadel’s body camera, Brown exited his vehicle and moved toward the officer. Hadel instructed Brown to return to his car, but Brown reportedly began swatting at the officer. In response, Hadel pushed Brown back once. When Brown swatted again, Hadel delivered two punches, causing Brown to fall backward, strike his head on the pavement, and remain motionless on the ground.
Following the physical altercation, Hadel immediately handcuffed Brown and noticed severe head injuries causing a steady flow of blood onto the roadway. The officer promptly called for medical assistance and began rendering aid to the injured man. Despite these efforts, Brown’s family reported that he arrived at a nearby hospital brain dead. He remained in a coma for over two weeks before succumbing to his injuries on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The release of this footage comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police interactions in Maryland, particularly in cases involving the use of force. The Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division is conducting a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Brown’s death. Officials have encouraged the public to provide any relevant information by contacting the division at 410-576-7070 or via email at iid@oag.maryland.gov.
This incident highlights the critical role of body-worn cameras in providing transparency during police encounters. The video evidence offers a firsthand account of the sequence of events, from the initial approach to the aftermath of the use-of-force application. While Officer Hadel’s actions included immediate medical intervention, the tragic outcome has prompted questions about de-escalation techniques and the potential for alternative responses in similar situations.
Brown’s family held a news conference the previous week to address the matter, expressing their grief and calling for justice. They emphasized the devastating impact of the encounter on their loved one, who they described as a community member known as “Big Sam.” The family’s statements underscored the human cost of such incidents and the need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
In the broader context of law enforcement accountability in Baltimore County and across Maryland, this case adds to a series of investigations handled by the Attorney General’s office. The division’s role in independently reviewing police-involved deaths ensures an impartial examination of evidence, including body camera recordings, witness statements, and forensic analysis. As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided to maintain public trust in the process.
The release of the footage serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in policing, where officers must balance public safety with the protection of individual rights. For instance, the initial report of a suspicious vehicle led to a routine check that escalated unexpectedly. Statistical data from similar cases in Maryland indicate that head injuries from falls during arrests contribute significantly to severe outcomes, with one example being the immediate brain trauma observed in Brown’s situation upon hospital arrival.
Community leaders and advocacy groups are likely to monitor the investigation closely, advocating for reforms that could include enhanced training on non-lethal interventions and improved communication strategies during traffic stops. As Baltimore County residents await the findings, this event reinforces the ongoing dialogue about building safer interactions between law enforcement and the public. For more information, visit The Baltimore Sun.