Baltimore's top prosecutor has announced the filing of criminal charges against the six police officers involved in the death of African-American Freddie Gray.
These include second-degree murder and manslaughter.
State's attorney for Baltimore city Marilyn Mosby explains the fatal injury to Gray that is resulting in charges.
"Mr. Gray suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained inside the Baltimore Police Department wagon."
US president Barack Obama also commented on the case after the charges were announced.
"All the evidence needs to be presented. Those individuals who are charged obviously are also entitled to due process and rule of law and so you know, I want to make sure that our legal system runs the way it should and the Justice Department and our new attorney general is in communications with Baltimore officials to make sure that any assistance we can provide on the investigation is provided."
Citizens of Baltimore cheered and honked their car horns after the announcement of charges was made.
A local resident says Gray's experience is emblematic of that of the entire black community.
"I think of Freddie Gray's justice lately, but all of you have a responsibility to stop ignoring all the injustices that goes on in the black, African-American community today from our government."
Gray's death under mysterious circumstances angered the community and led to violent protests in Baltimore after his funeral earlier this week.
Protests have spread to New York and other major US cities following national outcry over the treatment of African-Americans and other minority groups by US law enforcement officers.
