HBO 'We Own This City': Who is detective David McDougall and where is he now?

David McDougall played a key role in an investigation that unmasked the GTTF's corrupt involvement with a drug ring
David Corenswet as David McDougall in 'We Own This City' (HBO)
David Corenswet as David McDougall in 'We Own This City' (HBO)

HBO's 'We Own This City' showcases a string of real-life characters one of them is Detective David McDougall (played by David Corenswet). The six-episode miniseries that focuses on the corrupt officers of the Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF) sees McDougall investigate a heroin ring, but in his attempt, he ends up discovering the involvement of the BPD unearthing quite the scandal. Like most of the players in the miniseries, McDougall is based on a real-life character pivotal in the fall of the GTTF.

The series sees McDougall and his partner Gordon Hawk (Tray Chaney) hot on the trail of Aaron Anderson, a suspect for drug peddling in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. They keep tabs on him until it leads them to Antonio Shropshire, the ring leader of the gang, and his connection to the GTTF. The kingpin is connected to Momodu 'G Money' Gondo where it is revealed that they share a close friendship and the detective was profiting from that relationship.

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Where is David McDougall now?

Per The Baltimore Sun, McDougall was a seasoned pro who knew his work. The 30-year-old had worked a decade in the sheriff’s office and even bought drugs undercover. Over the years, he had nailed the art of blending in and looking the part. The publication outlined that he was keen to see the investigation through and he did. By the end of 2016, not only was the heroin ring busted, he even received a promotion. To unmask the deals, he worked with the Baltimore County Narcotics Division, DEA, and the FBI.

According to Cinemaholic, he was awarded the AG's Award for Distinguished Service and also the Charles “Bud” Meeks Award in 2018. The officer in connection to his investigation, Gondo, was the seventh officer to be indicted for robbery, distribution of heroin, and overtime fraud. He even pleaded guilty to admitting to helping these dealers in 2016. Then, 36, Gondo, after being sentenced to 10 years and serving his time in a federal prison.

'We Own This City' airs Tuesday nights at 9 pm ET on HBO.

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