Witnesses describe what transpired before mass shooting in Baltimore City

A heavy police presence remains in East Baltimore nearly 24 hours after shots rang out near a park in the Oliver neighborhood.

Around 8 p.m. Sunday night, 36-year-old Anthony Martin was killed, and seven others were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds after a mass shooting, investigators said.

After police left, Roca and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement worked the neighborhood, offering resources and support.

According to witnesses, the mass shooting started as an argument over a parking spot. It happened after a motorcycle gang gathered to remember a member who died in a balloon launch, witnesses said. Then, according to witnesses, a fight broke out.

“One individual moved a cone and wanted his girlfriend or wife to park there. And that’s when it all started. It exploded,” said Chareese, a witness.

Chareese said everyone was in a circle. She anticipated trouble and called 911.

“We called 911 to report it,” Chareese said. “We called twice. I even put in a 311 complaint — I said there was a disturbance and noise in the community, and we are trying to keep the community clean.”

Detectives spent most of Monday looking for witnesses and surveillance footage. 11 News counted eight cameras near the shooting scene alone and a Ring camera near the parking spot where the argument broke out.

“I’ve never seen nothing like this all my life,” Chareese said. “I’ve lived here since birth, so it was very disturbing.”

With the exception of Martin, all victims are now in stable condition. Investigators believe multiple people fired weapons. They found multiple firearms at the scene.

Despite the crime scene, life goes on in Oliver. 11 News saw kids playing basketball Monday around the police tape. Neighbors said historic Oliver is a stable neighborhood.

“Just last Sunday, they had a good giveaway in the park. Yesterday morning, before this event, they had a clothing drive giving away clothes to the community. There’s a lot of good things going on in the community — I feel like this event may overshadow all of that,” said someone who lives in the neighborhood.

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Declared for Thursday, July 4th through Saturday, July 6th

Residents Urged to Stay Safe and Cool Ahead of the 4th of July Holiday Weekend

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, July 3, 2024) — With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the next few days, the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Thursday, July 4th through Saturday, July 6th. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.

“As we prepare to enjoy the 4th of July holiday, we should prioritize our safety while having fun. Amidst the extreme heat, residents should stay hydrated, remain indoors with a working air conditioner or fan, and be sure to check on vulnerable neighbors,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga. “Extreme heat is dangerous to older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions. Together, let’s celebrate responsibly and safely, by staying cool and hydrated this holiday weekend.”

The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of heat that are severe enough to present a substantial threat to life or health risks. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat declaration is made, activities are undertaken to encourage safety. When a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions on warmer days.

The following Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) sites will serve as cooling centers (days and hours vary by location):

  • My Sisters Place Women’s Center (women and children only) 
    17 W. Franklin St. | Thurs., Fri., and Sat., 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.  
  • Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) 
    620 Fallsway | Thurs., Fri., and Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
  • Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. | Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  
  • Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | Fri., 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. 

 *On Thursday, July 4th, Beans & Bread’s indoor facilities will be closed, but will be serving water outside.  

The following Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and Community Support sites will serve as cooling centers on Friday, July 5th from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

  • Waxter Center for Senior Citizens | 1000 Cathedral St. (410) 396-1324 
  • Oliver Senior Center | 1700 N Gay St. (410) 396-3861 
  • Zeta Center for Healthy & Active Aging | 4501 Reisterstown Rd. (410) 396-3535 
  • Hatton Senior Center | 2825 Fait Ave. (410) 396-9025 

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) sites will serve as cooling centers on Friday, July 5th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: 

  • Cherry Hill Homes | 2700 Spelman Road 
  • Brooklyn Homes | 4140 10th Street 

ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) will serve as a community cooling center during their regular hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations.  

During the Code Red Extreme Heat season, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that City residents:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Reduce outside activities
  • Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
  • Check on older adults and the sick in your community who may need help in the heat
  • Never leave children alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
  • Ensure that babies are sleeping safely. The risk for sleep-related infant death increases when babies overheat
    • People should place their infants alone, on their back, in a crib, and with no blankets, pillows, or sheets (a flat sheet covering the crib mattress is fine)
    • No head coverings
    • Co-sleeping (sharing a sleeping surface with a caregiver or another child) is especially dangerous

Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:

  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness
  • High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
  • Hot, dry, flushed skin
  • Rapid or slowed heartbeat

To keep pets safe, BCHD also recommends:

  • Never leave your pets in a parked car. Keep them safe and leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can rise to a deadly 110 degrees
  • Provide ample shade and water. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water
  • Limit exercise on hot days. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on grass if possible
  • Watch for signs of heatstroke. These include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you see signs of heatstroke, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately

City residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

For more information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days, visit the Baltimore City Health Department’s website and on social media Facebook @BaltimoreHealth and Instagram @Bmore_healthy. Additional information may also be found via the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.

Mayor Scott, officials cut ribbon on 2 newly acquired hotels to combat homelessness

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and other officials on Monday cut the ribbon on two newly acquired hotels to aid the city’s efforts in combatting homelessness.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services said funds from the American Rescue Plan Act were used to purchase the Sleep Inn & Suites on North Front Street and the Holiday Inn Express on North Gay Street in downtown Baltimore. The purchase is part of the city’s response to the nationwide housing crisis and the rise in homelessness.

“Tackling the issue of homelessness and housing insecurity in Baltimore is going to require approaches that reflect the needs and experiences of our most vulnerable residents,” Scott said in a news release. “This purchase is a major step forward in increasing our ability to address homelessness, expand our efforts to provide a pathway to housing security, and utilize ARPA funding to make a major impact on our most complex challenges. I cannot thank everyone who has been part of this process enough for their hard work, dedication, and deep love for all Baltimoreans. Together, from the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to our state partners and down to our local leaders and advocates, we will continue fighting to make a difference in the lives of residents who need it most.”

The Sleep Inn & Suites most recently was utilized to house families, couples, former encampment residents and individuals and families who have become displaced due to housefires. The Holiday Inn Express has been primarily utilized to house and provide male clients with individualized case management, mental health services, housing navigation, vital records resources, employment assistance and additional on-site services through TIME Organization.

The total cost was reported to be $15.2 million for the acquisition and $3.2 million for the management agreement for both hotels.

Gov. Moore estimates $2 billion needed for Key Bridge, talks Morin and immigration

Gov. Wes Moore said in an interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation” over the weekend that rebuilding the Key Bridge will likely cost close to $2 billion. Moore said the state needs federal money to get the project completed in a timely manner.

He is pushing for a 100% federal cost share, meaning the federal government would cover the entire cost.

“I need to get this done on time and on budget,” Moore said. “We know that in order to move fast, we’ve got to get that 100% cost share. So we are spending time working with- with members of both sides of the aisle, Democrats and Republicans.”

The governor also spoke out on the Rachel Morin case, the 37-year-old mother found murdered last August in Harford County.

The Harford County sheriff called out the president and Congress for “failed immigration policies” when announcing that an immigrant living in the country illegally had been arrested for Morin’s death.

Moore said he agreed with the sheriff and said the nation has an immigration policy that needs to be dealt with.

“We have an immigration policy that needed to have been dealt with and was not,” Moore said. “And the consequences then fall on us as the chief executives of our state, the consequences fall on us as the leaders of our individualized jurisdictions. And– and we know that we have got to fix a broken immigration policy. And we know that we need Congress to act on this.”

He referenced President Biden’s executive order on immigration, saying he agrees with the action, but it is not going to be enough. Moore says Congress needs to be on the same page when it comes to stricter border policies.

Source: WBAL

Baltimore man arrested, charged with April murder of brother

Baltimore police arrested a 34-year-old man in April for the murder of his younger brother.

Officers said that Michael Conley fatally shot 27-year-old Devon Thomas in Cherry Hill, following a dispute on the morning of April 11 in the 3400 block of Spelman Road.

Conley was found and arrested the following day in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was taken into custody without incident.

Conley was extradited to Baltimore on Thursday where he was charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at the Central Booking Intake Facility with a no-bail status.

Man convicted of second-degree assault for hitting Baltimore police officer with car

A jury on Thursday convicted a man with second-degree assault for hitting and dragging a Baltimore police officer with his car in 2022.

Joseph Black was charged with hitting Baltimore police Sgt. Kenneth Ramberg with his car in Rosedale during a traffic stop on June 29, 2022. Ramberg suffered broken bones and a traumatic brain injury as a result of the incident.

The jury found Black not guilty on both counts of attempted murder in December and a mistrial was declared for the four other counts, including assault and weapons charges.

Black will face up to 10 years in prison when he’s sentenced in August.

Ivan Bates makes bold prediction on Baltimore’s drop in homicides

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates made a bold prediction, suggesting the city’s homicide rate could drop below 200 this year.

Bates spoke at a budget hearing Thursday morning before the Baltimore City Council Ways and Means Committee, citing some encouraging numbers showing declines in violent crime and increases in prosecutions. Bates said the current pacing for homicide in 2024 is 181.

“One is too many, but to see now that the hard work is starting to pay off,” Bates said.

The last time Baltimore City recorded less than 200 homicides was in 2011. Bates credited partnerships, innovative violence reduction strategies and his office’s “get tough” approach to crime.

“We are the enforcers. We are the accountability. We are saying clearly, ‘If you are going to be a felon and you are carrying an illegal handgun,’ I said, ‘bring a toothbrush.’ That is not something I just said. It is something that we meant,” Bates said.

Bates supported his bold prediction with stats, saying from 2022 to 2023, his office took 390 violent offenders off the street, there were fewer repeat offenders because first-time offenders were sentenced to jail time, homicide convictions increased by 38%, and the transfer of firearm cases to federal officials increased by 26%.

Source: WBAL

Cruise ship traffic set to kick off for first time since bridge collapse

For the first time since the collapse of the Key Bridge, cruise ships will embark from and arrive at the Port of Baltimore.

According to the Port of Baltimore, Royal Caribbean’s ‘Vision of the Seas’ will depart from the Port on May 25 for a five-night voyage from Baltimore to Bermuda.

In announcing this excitement development, the Port of Baltimore took to “x,” sharing “Baltimore is Back.”

Moreover, on May 17, a separate cruise line announced that one of their ships, the Carnival Pride, is set to resume sailing from the Port of Baltimore on May 26.

The Carnival Pride will arrive in charm city following a week-long cruise that embarked from Norfolk, Va., where Carnival temporarily moved its Baltimore operations after the collapse.

The port is home to year-round sailing, servicing cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian.

According to officials, the ship’s next sailing, a 14-day cruise to Greenland, is expected to sail round-trip from Baltimore.

Speaking on the boat’s return to Baltimore, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy shared,

“We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who’ve shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests.”

“It’s been our goal to resume operations in Baltimore as soon as possible, and after working closely with local, state and federal agencies, we look forward to a successful return.”

Giant set to close Edmondson Ave location, as Wilkens Avenue store set to re-open

Giant Food announced it will close a west Baltimore location as another store is set to re-open this summer.

Giant announced it’s closing the store at 4624 Edmondson Ave. effective on June 13, while the location at 4622 Wilkens Ave. will celebrate its re-opening on June 7.

Giant President Ira Kress released a statement, saying: “We believe the expansion and enhanced amenities at our newly remodeled Wilkens Avenue store offers a fantastic replacement for our Edmondson Avenue location. We look forward to welcoming our Edmondson Avenue customers to their new store.”

The statement also said that all the employees from the Edmondson location were offered the opportunity to transfer to a nearby location.

The store will also notify pharmacy customers that their prescriptions will be moved to the a Giant store closest to their homes.

Baltimore City Councilman Kristerfer Burnett, D-District 8, released a statement, saying: “Upon learning this unfortunate news, I immediately reached out to the new ownership team of Edmondson Village Shopping Center to discuss the possibility of opening a grocery store at this location. They’re very supportive of the idea, and it’s my hope that this can come to fruition. At the moment, we still have a long road ahead.”

Democrat Thiru Vignarajah drops out of 2024 Baltimore mayoral race, endorses Shelia Dixon

Baltimore Democratic mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah is dropping out of the race.

“I’ve never done this before,” Vignarajah said of what he considers bittersweet news.

Vignarajah, 47, announced his decision Wednesday afternoon, and endorsed former Mayor Sheila Dixon’s campaign.

“This was, as you might imagine, not an easy decision,” Vignarajah said. “When we entered this race, it was because of the love I have — the love all of us have — for this great city. I still don’t know of any other city in the country that has a bigger distance between where we are and where we could be. Leadership his needed to unleash that potential.”

Vignarajah spoke of his support for Dixon, saying: “Sheila Dixon loves this city with all of her heart, she has her whole life … She has devoted herself to public service, she has devoted herself to make this city a little bit better.”

Speaking to why he’s endorsing the former mayor, Vignarajah said there’s more at stake to this election than just politics.

“When I talk to Sheila, when I hear her hopes and dreams for the city, when I hear the kinds of people that she knows are needed in government, that’s the kind of shared vision that I was excited to get behind,” Vignarajah said.

Dixon said she’s grateful and humble for Vignarajah’s supporting, saying she looks forward to working with him on his ideas, including one to create a digital tracking system for reporting issues in need of city services via 311.

“Choosing to step up out of this race is evidence of your love for Baltimore and your willingness for the best of Baltimore,” Dixon said.

As a former criminal prosecutor at the federal, state and local levels, Vignarajah ran in 2017 and 2022 for city state’s attorney. He first ran for mayor in 2020.

Source: WBAL