Baltimore, Md. (August 7, 2024) - Today, the State's Attorney's General Felony Trial Division secured the maximum sentence of 10 years of incarceration for defendant Joseph Daniel Black, who dragged Baltimore City Police Officer Sgt. Kenneth Ramberg with a vehicle during a traffic stop in 2022. The defendant was convicted of Second Degree Assault at a re-trial on June 6, 2024, following a hung jury in December of 2023.

After the defendant's initial trial, State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates pledged to pursue the charges that the jury was hung on, given the overwhelming evidence in the case and the defendant's egregious actions captured on video.

"I applaud Felony Division Chief Twila Driggins for doing everything she can to achieve justice for Sgt. Ramberg, whose life is forever changed by the injuries he sustained as a direct result of this defendant's violent and reckless actions," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. "Our dedicated police officers put their lives at risk every single day for the sake of our city. It is the privilege of this office to fight for justice on their behalf."

On June 28, 2022, at approximately 8:02 p.m., Sgt. Kenneth Ramberg of the Baltimore Police Northwest District Action Team conducted a traffic stop in the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue on a vehicle operated by the defendant, Joseph Daniel Black. Sgt. Ramberg approached the driver's side of the car while his partner approached the passenger side. Sgt. Ramberg advised the vehicle's operator that he was being stopped for a traffic infraction. The driver handed over his driver's license and registration card.

At that time, Sgt. Ramberg discreetly alerted his partner that he observed a firearm on the floor of the driver's vehicle. Sgt. Ramberg subsequently asked the driver of the vehicle to step out. The driver then put the vehicle in gear and drove off with Sgt. Ramberg hanging on the inside of the driver-side door for approximately two blocks. Sgt. Ramberg was forcibly dislodged from the vehicle after the operator crossed over the double yellow line and side-swiped a parked car on the side that Sgt. Ramberg was hanging from. The driver continued to flee.

Sgt. Ramberg was rushed to the Shock Trauma Emergency Center for treatment and sustained several broken bones, as well as a head wound. He was listed in serious condition and was unconscious. The defendant was subsequently found and identified via the driver's license he provided to Sgt. Ramberg's partner during the initial traffic stop.

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