Top cop in Freddie Gray case had guns confiscated, was hospitalized over mental health concerns 3 years ago

The highest ranking Baltimore police officer, of the six facing manslaughter charges in the death of Freddie Gray, had multiple guns confiscated and was temporarily removed from duty 3 years ago over mental health concerns, reports The Baltimore Sun.

Lt. Brian Rice, 41, is currently out on bail while facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, and misconduct in office, related to the death of Gray.

Rice was the highest ranking officer involved in the case, and the first one to make contact with Gray in the confrontation that led to suspect's death.

According to a report filed in 2012 by the Carroll County sheriff's office, deputies responded to Rice's home after he told his estranged girlfriend that "he could not continue to go on like this."

In the report, deputies said that Rice "appeared normal and soft-spoken," when they spoke with him however they believed his comments were " intended to invoke sympathy and attention." Deputies said they seized his service weapon and other guns as a precautionary measure and escorted Rice to Carroll Hospital Center for evaluation.

The hospital report on Rice was redacted because it contains medical information about officer that is protected by federal privacy law.

In 2013 Rice was ordered by a judge to stay away from his ex-girlfriend's husband after reportedly threatening him.

When asked about the threats that led to a judicial intervention, police union president Gene Ryan said he knew Rice professionally from when he served with him in the Baltimore Police Department.

"I would be very surprised if he did something like that," Ryan said.