Posted on 12/17/24
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 17, 2024 - A wave of carjackings carried out by juveniles has left Baltimore residents shaken and demanding action.
The incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the handling of juvenile offenders.
"I don't even know how to express in words how someone could even fathom to do that," local resident Nigal Brown said.
Another resident, David Nwachukwu, added, "It's not safe for anybody out here."
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) reported that a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old were arrested after attempting to steal one car and successfully carjacking another. One of the suspects was armed with a small knife. Despite the 15-year-old's six prior arrests, including charges for a handgun violation and assault, both juveniles were released on ankle monitors by the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).
A similar incident occurred in North Baltimore last Thursday, where a group of juveniles carjacked an 81-year-old woman at a gas station. BPD arrested four 14-year-olds, who were also released, despite three of them having prior charges for gun offenses, assault, and burglary.
"There should be some type of accountability held for that," a concerned resident said.
Early Friday morning, a couple near Patterson Park was reportedly held at gunpoint and robbed of their car keys. Surveillance footage showed one suspect speeding off in the stolen vehicle. BPD recovered a loaded handgun and arrested two 14-year-olds, who were subsequently released.
Arch McKown, a community activist and safety chair of the Patterson Park Neighborhood Association, voiced frustration over the recurring crimes. "It's a major source of frustration for all of us in the community to see the same kids that are coming back in here and committing violent crimes of opportunity, like carjackings," he said.
As residents criticize DJS for the releases, DJS Secretary Vincent Schiraldi urged caution, stating, "Don’t believe everything you see on X." He argued that police reports are not always accurate and emphasized the importance of confidentiality in juvenile cases.
McKown expressed skepticism about the lack of transparency, saying, "I feel like we're being gaslit." He questioned how reducing transparency would prevent juveniles from committing violent crimes, adding, "You know, what are we doing? It just sounds ridiculous to me."
BPD has not yet responded to Schiraldi's accusations.