Baltimore cop is charged and faces up to ten years in prison for 'slamming a man to the ground after he refused to wear a face mask' in a grocery store

A Baltimore police detective has been charged after prosecutors say he slammed a man into the ground who refused to wear a face mask inside a grocery store, and faces up to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Detective Andre Pringle was stationed at a grocery store in West Baltimore in spring when 25-year-old Brandon Walker entered the store. 

Walker was wearing his mask on top of his head but not covering his face, The Baltimore Sun reports, and he refused to pull it over his face.

After pushing him out of the store, Pringle allegedly slammed Walker into the ground in the April incident.

The 45-year-old detective was indicted on two charges last week by a Baltimore grand jury, and faces up to 10 years in prison for the misdemeanour assault charge. 

A mask mandate from the governor and the mayor was in effect because of the coronavirus, requiring people to wear face coverings when indoors.

A Baltimore police detective has been charged after prosecutors say he slammed a man into the ground who refused to wear a face mask inside a Shoppers grocery store at Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore . The officer is facing up to 10 years in prison

Prosecutors say Walker - who had a cast on his right foot - yelled and cursed Pringle as he escorted him outside of the Shoppers grocery store at Mondawmin Mall. 

'Mr. Walker was yelling and cursing at Detective Pringle as they continued towards the automated entry/exit doors,' prosecutors wrote in the indictment. 

They said that Walker stopped in the enclosed area between the two automatic doors and stared at the officer.

The officer continued to push Walker out of the store, and once outside, Pringle slammed Walker to the ground face first, prosecutors said.

'Detective Pringle grabbed Mr. Walker by his jacket and shoved him. Detective Pringle continued to push Mr. Walker out of the store's exit. 

'Once outside, Detective Pringle slammed Mr. Walker to the ground, face first, causing Mr. Walker to hit his head on the concrete,' prosecutors wrote. 

In a news release, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said the 'indictment alleges actions that we simply cannot tolerate or accept from those that are sworn to protect and serve the citizens of this city,'

Pringle has been charged with a misdemeanor assault charge. His attorney, Chaz Ball, declined to comment to the newspaper.

Walker was charged with multiple crimes, including resisting arrest and assault. Those charges were dropped in November. 

He pleaded guilty to violating orders under a state of emergency and was put on probation.