Family and friends demand accountability after Samuel Brown dies following Baltimore County police use-of-force encounter
Use-of-force investigation follows Feb. 16 welfare check in Woodlawn
Family members and friends of Samuel Brown have publicly condemned the Baltimore County Police Department and are demanding accountability after Brown died following a police encounter that began as a welfare check at a busy Woodlawn intersection.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on February 16, 2026, near Security Boulevard and Whitehead Road/Whitehead Court, after police responded to a report of a person asleep behind the wheel at a stoplight. Brown, 56, was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died on February 27, 2026.
What is known from official accounts and released video
A police incident report described Brown exiting his vehicle and becoming confrontational, alleging he struck an officer’s arm twice. The report states the officer responded by punching Brown twice in the face, after which Brown fell backward and struck his head on the roadway.
Body-worn camera video from the encounter was released on March 5, 2026. The footage shows the officer, later identified as Derek Hadel, speaking with Brown after approaching the vehicle. The video depicts physical contact between the two as Brown stands outside the car, including the officer pushing Brown back and Brown pushing the officer’s hand down. The officer then throws two punches, and Brown falls, striking his head. Additional officers and emergency medical personnel arrive roughly a minute later to provide aid.
Police have said the officer involved was placed on leave while the case is investigated.
Family disputes early explanations and seeks a clearer record
At public gatherings and press events, Brown’s relatives and supporters said they were given inconsistent explanations in the hours and days after the encounter, including an early claim that Brown was injured in a slip-and-fall. They have argued that the injuries were the result of police force and have demanded transparency about the full sequence of events.
Friends described Brown as “Big Sam,” a father of six—four daughters and two sons—whose death has left an extended network of family and community members seeking answers.
How the investigation proceeds
The case is being handled as an independent investigation by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division, which examines deaths involving law enforcement officers in the state. Under the division’s protocols, body-worn and dashboard camera video is generally released within 20 business days of an incident, though the timeline can vary based on investigative needs.
- Incident date and location: Feb. 16, 2026, Security Boulevard and Whitehead Road/Whitehead Court area, Woodlawn
- Death: Feb. 27, 2026
- Body-worn camera release: March 5, 2026
- Status of officer: on leave during the use-of-force investigation
Brown’s family and supporters have said they intend to continue organizing and advocating until investigators and prosecutors determine whether any violations of law or policy occurred.