Police release gruesome video showing assault against pro-lifers

Baltimore police have released video footage showing the brutal attack against pro-lifers Mark Crosby and Dick Schaefer outside a Planned Parenthood facility at 300 North Howard Street on May 26.

300 North Howard Street Assault Investigation

The video shows the unidentified suspect, a white male with a beard who appears to be in his late twenties, approach the men who are praying on the sidewalk outside the facility. He has words with the first man, Dick Schaefer, and appears ready to leave before turning and suddenly tackling Schaefer into a flower pot. At that time the second victim, Mark Crosby, runs over to help. The suspect tackles Crosby and punches him in the face, then stands and kicks him before leaving.

Crosby was seriously injured after the attack, suffering a severely swollen eye and nose and a fractured cheekbone. He was treated at the University of Maryland for shock trauma.

John Roswell, who regularly prays with both Schaefer and Crosby outside the facility, told WBAL-TV that despite his significant injuries, Crosby is on the mend. “Originally they thought they were going to have to do facial and eye operations on him, but he’s healing up well enough that that won’t happen,” he said.

Roswell also said noted that both Schaefer and Crosby have already returned to their sidewalk ministry work and that they won’t let the threat of violence stop them from fighting for life. “Worst case scenario, we’re a martyr for our cause,” he told CBS News. “Free ticket to Heaven. You know I don’t want that to happen, but that’s the way I look at it.”

Roswell hopes that the video’s release will help authorities catch the assailant.

“I hope they catch the guy. He’s obviously dangerous. We’re not sure why this happened, whether it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. He suddenly was enraged. It could have been pre-planned. It almost sounds like it was. He waited until the opportune moment when Dick (Schaefer)’s back was turned,” Roswell said.

Baltimore police are asking anyone with information to call detectives at 410-396-2411. Alternatively, an anonymous tip can be placed with Metro Crime Stoppers Of Maryland at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Metro Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for the man’s capture.

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