In his words: Testimony from the 1st officer to go on trial in Freddie Gray's death
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Officer William Porter testified Wednesday at his manslaughter trial in the death of Freddie Gray. Here are some of the questions he was asked and his remarks:
— Why does Porter say he didn't call an ambulance for Gray after checking on him during the police van's journey?
"He never made a complaint of pain or an injury. In order to call for an ambo, I need age, sex, location and complaint of injury. He wouldn't give me a complaint of injury."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}— According to Porter, did Gray ask for medical attention or did Porter suggest it?
"I offered it to him and he said, yes, he needed it."
— What does Porter say he told van driver Caesar Goodson, who faces the most serious charge in Gray's death?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I suggested Officer Goodson to take him to a medical facility or a hospital. I cannot order Officer Goodson to do anything."
— What kind of distinction does Porter make between driving a prisoner to a hospital in a police van versus calling an ambulance?
"You call for an ambulance if you have a medical emergency."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}— What does Porter say happened after he saw Gray unresponsive in the van at the Western District police station?
"It was a very traumatizing thing for me, also. Knowing him from the neighborhood and calling his name, being on the hospital detail and seeing everything they'd done to him."
— What does Porter say is the risk of a prisoner grabbing an officer's gun if the officer tries to buckle a prisoner's seat belt?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"In academy, and through my experience and training as an officer, even the most docile detainee presents a risk."
— Does Porter think the Baltimore Police Department has a "don't snitch" culture?
"I'm actually offended you'd say something like that."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}— What is Porter's response to the statement that he failed to protect Gray's life?
"Untrue."