Baltimore City Police Officer Dies Of Apparent Overdose

A Baltimore City police officer died of a drug overdose early Friday, Baltimore County police said.

Joseph Banks Jr. was at a motel in the 4400 block of Washington Boulevard in Halethorpe, according to a police report. The 25-year-old Banks, who was normally assigned to juvenile booking, was suspended at the time of his death. Baltimore police wouldn't elaborate on the reason for his suspension, calling it a personnel matter.

Baltimore County officers responded to a reported overdose. Upon arrival, his girlfriend told police he was unconscious. She said she and Banks had been using drugs throughout the day. At 11 p.m. Thursday, she told police, Banks used the last of the drugs and made noises indicating he was having trouble breathing. She then called a friend to get the overdose reversal medication naloxone. She was unable to administer it, and called police at 3:10 a.m.

Responding medics attempted CPR but were unable to revive Banks. An autopsy will determine his exact cause of death. Police continue to investigate the incident.

Baltimore prosecutors are assessing the impact of Banks' death on their cases, a spokeswoman for State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said.

Like WBAL on Facebook Download the WBAL Smart Phone App ?

Phil Yacuboski contributed to this report.