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Crime Near Baltimore's Patterson Park On The Rise

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Fighting back. A community is taking a stand after a series of violent robberies in their Southeast Baltimore neighborhood.

Kelly McPherson explains police are on alert.

Southeast Baltimore—specifically the north and east of Patterson Park—is being put on alert.

"We've had a spike in crime over the last few weeks, and we're just going to make a presence and let them know that we're here and we're watching and it's going to stop," said Heather Hurley, Patterson Park Neighborhood Association.

Twenty-seven robberies in 28 days— that's someone getting robbed nearly every day just in this section of the city.

Police believe two men are the suspects in a handful of the violent attacks.

"They are essentially looking for the perfect victim: people who are coming home from bars, people who are walking alone in dark areas," said Anthony Guglielmi, Baltimore City Police spokesperson. "They're robbing them of their belongings, and in some cases harming them."

The latest robbery happened on Mt. Pleasant Avenue late Tuesday night. A Hispanic male was found lying on the sidewalk—he'd been robbed and shot in the head. He later died.

"I know there's stuff going on around here," said Sharon Igoe Von Behren of Patterson Park. "I stay inside. I don't come out. "

Many can't take it anymore.

"We definitely want to leave the area," said Igoe Von Behren. The crime is "a great part of it, yes."

"It was really a shock when my neighbor across the street texted me at about 6:25 a.m. that someone was shot on the corner," said Paul Valdez. "So I ran out and, sure enough, there was somebody on the corner. And it was very scary."

The community and police are urging awareness.

"When you park your car in the neighborhood, before you get out of the car, look who's in the neighborhood and see who's around you. If it doesn't feel right to you, drive off," said Maj. William Davis, Southeast commander.

Investigators have been able to link several crimes to the two suspects. Police are examining all 27 robberies to find possible links. More than 20 additional cops are on the street now.

If you have information on these robberies, call the Baltimore City police hotline: 855-223-0033.

 

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