Baltimore—The City Union of Baltimore is demanding improved safety measures following the tragic death of a Department of Transportation employee who succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent incident while on duty. The union emphasized a critical failure in communication after the assault on Gregory Turnipseed, who was attacked while intervening in a dispute over a parking space.
Antoinette Ryan-Johnson, president of the union, expressed outrage that she received notification of the attack only after Turnipseed’s death on November 23, a month following the incident. “As union president, I should have been informed immediately about the assault. It’s unacceptable,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll it took on everyone involved. Turnipseed’s family is now missing a father and grandfather due to an incident that could have been avoided, she added.
Turnipseed, 71, intervened in a dispute on St. Paul Street when he was assaulted by a 15-year-old girl who punched him in the face. Her mother, 49-year-old Kiannah Bonaparte, allegedly jumped on his back and kicked him multiple times in the head. Turnipseed was hospitalized for over a month before he died from complications related to his injuries, including a brain bleed.
His daughter, Gerri Turnipseed, shared the devastating impact the incident had on their family. “My father suffered from slurred speech and memory issues after the assault. It’s heartbreaking to think he could have spent Thanksgiving with us,” she lamented. She conveyed her frustrations with society’s tendency to underestimate the potential dangers that can arise from seemingly mundane conflicts.
No formal punishment has yet been revealed for the juvenile involved, and Bonaparte faces assault charges that are expected to be upgraded following the death of Turnipseed. A representative from the state’s attorney’s office stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The union is advocating for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Turnipseed’s death and for a collaborative effort to implement enhanced safety protocols for city employees. Ryan-Johnson noted that traffic enforcement officers have previously faced various dangers on the job, such as being assaulted or threatened with weapons, and she emphasized the urgent need for change.
“We cannot continue to lose employees like this. It’s tragic, and the city must ensure that workers are safe while on duty,” Ryan-Johnson remarked. Turnipseed had dedicated 14 years of his life to serving the Baltimore community, a commitment recognized by local officials, including the mayor, who described him as an exemplary public servant.
In response to the heartbreaking loss, Ryan-Johnson extended her condolences to Turnipseed’s family, affirming that the union stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time. “We feel your pain and are committed to supporting you. It is our responsibility to advocate for safer working conditions so that no other family experiences this grief,” she stated.
The city faces mounting pressure not only to enhance worker safety but also to ensure transparent communication following incidents involving city employees, as community members continue to demand accountability.