A shocking incident unfolded in Baltimore, Maryland, as captured in a newly released video showing a group of teen suspects mugging a 66-year-old man at gunpoint. The distressing event occurred in the 200 block of South Madeira, near Patterson Park, on the east side of the city. The victim reported that one suspect brandished a gun while others attacked him, resulting in severe injuries.
The video footage depicts the victim being punched and knocked to the ground, followed by a suspect stomping on his head. The perpetrators rifled through the man's pockets before fleeing the scene. The victim sustained lacerations and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Subsequently, two suspects, an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old, were apprehended by the Baltimore Police Department. A firearm and the victim's belongings were recovered during the arrests. The 18-year-old suspect faces first-degree murder charges, while the 15-year-old was released to a guardian.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney authorized an attempted first-degree murder charge against the older suspect. The victim recounted the harrowing experience of being ambushed by the group, emphasizing their stealthy approach and masked appearance.
BPD Commissioner Richard Worley condemned the incident as 'truly horrific' and emphasized the need for addressing youth-related crimes and ensuring accountability. Mayor Brandon Scott expressed frustration over the recurrence of offenses by young individuals and highlighted the systemic failures in providing necessary support and consequences.
NAACP Branch President Ryan Coleman advocated for detaining young offenders accused of violent crimes after the first offense to prevent further victimization. The community and officials alike are calling for a comprehensive approach to tackle juvenile crime and ensure the safety of residents.