In a Disturbing Trend, Officers Becoming Targets of Gunfire
In February, two officers were shot serving a felony arrest warrant at Garden Village apartment complex on Radecke Avenue northeast Baltimore.
BALTIMORE (WBFF) - The homicide rate continues to climb in Baltimore City.
This year, 214 people have been killed, but there's another trend that is also on the rise.
"This seems to be a continuing trend, violence against police officers," said former deputy police commissioner Jason Johnson.
Just last night, shots were fired at police after a traffic stop in West Baltimore.
RELATED | Shots fired at police, 1 officer taken to Shock Trauma, in West Baltimore
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jason Johnson says across the country it's evident there's a lack of respect from many for those protecting and serving us.
"Being a police officer in the city of Baltimore has always been a dangerous job, but we're just seeing more and more acts of extreme violence against law enforcement," he said. "Not just resisting arrest but people using firearms against officers in a very brazen and callous manner and it's a really difficult trend to see, it's disturbing."
Officers have been shot in locations throughout the city, including a northeast apartment complex and a major intersection in the heart of Federal Hill.
In February, two officers were shot serving a felony arrest warrant at a northeast Baltimore apartment complex, on Radecke Avenue.
RELATED | Two Officers Shot, Suspect Killed in NE Baltimore
In May, a chaotic scene ensued at a major Federal Hill intersection, after Baltimore officer Joshua Jackson was shot as he attempted to stop a driver.
RELATED | ARMED & DANGEROUS | 'Repeat offender' wanted after officer shot in Fed. Hill
The following month, another Baltimore officer was shot while breaking up a party.
RELATED | BPD officer recovering after being shot while breaking up party, suspect in custody
This past weekend, two Prince George's County officers were shot in an ambush while responding to a call.
RELATED | Two men charged for attempted murder of three Prince George's County police officers
Johnson says as people are calling on defunding police, officers actions are under the microscope and criminals know it.
"They do understand the position that law enforcement is in right now and they're taking advantage of it. At the same time there's intense scrutiny on law enforcement officers and there really seems to be a lack of accountability for people who engage in acts of violence," he said.