Seven juveniles arrested after downtown Baltimore crimes
Police Arrest Seven Juveniles in Downtown Baltimore
On Sunday, police in downtown Baltimore made arrests of seven juveniles after responding to reports of large groups gathering in the area. The individuals, aged between 12 and 17, were charged with various offenses, including assault and attempted unarmed robbery.
The incident began on March 29 when authorities reported encountering multiple groups of teenagers engaging in disorderly conduct. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) deployed its helicopter, Foxtrot, to monitor the situation. Officers worked to disperse the crowds, but some members of the group moved to other locations, such as the 100 block of Market Place, where additional fights occurred.
During the events at Market Place, three juveniles—ages 12, 14, and 17—were arrested and charged with common assault. A 14-year-old male was also taken into custody after refusing to comply with officers, resulting in the use of a taser. These juveniles were later released to their parents.
In another part of the city, three 13-year-old males were arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery in the 200 block of E. Lombard Street. They were transported to Juvenile Booking and detained. Additionally, a 13-year-old female was arrested for common assault in the 600 block of E. Lombard Street and was released to her parent.
No injuries were reported during the incidents. Police stated that they became aware of the gatherings through a “teen link-up” promoted on social media, which led to an increased presence of officers in the area for crowd control. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are considering potential charges against those who organized or promoted the event, as well as any parents or guardians involved.
Officials Condemn the Behavior
Police Commissioner Richard Worley issued a statement condemning the actions of the juveniles. “The behavior we saw downtown is dangerous, disruptive, and will not be tolerated,” he said. “Let me be clear: if you engage in violence, incite an unlawful assembly, or participate in robberies or disorderly conduct, our officers will arrest you and hold you accountable. This includes pursuing charges against parents when appropriate for the actions and damage caused by their child. We urge parents to know where their children are and who they are with. These situations can escalate quickly, and the consequences are serious.”
Mayor Brandon Scott also addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for community involvement in keeping the city safe. “I want to be very clear that this type of behavior is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated,” he said. “Baltimore will not allow a few individuals to disrupt the spring and summer for any of our young people. Our city staff worked hard to plan activities designed specifically for our young people over spring break and the summer, and our police officers’ primary task is to ensure our residents of all ages feel safe. We recognize we all have a role to play in keeping Baltimore safe, and that starts at home. We need parents to know where kids are, set rules for them and enforce them. We all want our young people to grow and be successful in life, but the type of behavior we witnessed yesterday will never be okay.”
Continued Commitment to Safety
The BPD remains committed to maintaining a safe environment in downtown and the Inner Harbor areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the community to prevent similar incidents in the future.
