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Social Security Administration Lifts Lockdown After Employee On Lunch Break Shot Nearby

WOODLAWN, Md. (WJZ)— A worker was robbed and shot on his lunch break near the Social Security Administration campus in Baltimore County. 

Mike Hellgren has the latest on the search for the suspect.

The police response was large and fast. Officers scoured the woods for clues after a Social Security Administration employee was shot during a bold robbery while on his lunch break. It happened just before noon and a short distance from Social Security Administration headquarters, where nearly 12,000 people work.

One mother---who lives very close to the shooting scene and asks that we not show her face---is scared for her safety.

"It's just showing people don't have a conscience anymore and that we're not safe no matter where we go. The city, the county, it doesn't matter now," she said.

The massive SSA headquarters went on lockdown as a precaution. Police used dogs and collected bags of evidence. People say whoever did this took off down Woodlawn Drive. The victim, that SSA worker, collapsed near the I-70 underpass.

Many who have worked for Social Security are stunned at the violence.

"Even when it's not down here, when it's anywhere, that someone would just shoot somebody...that doesn't make any sense," said Cora Tucker.

The area is not immune to violence. Three years ago, an apartment manager was murdered nearby.

"It's outrageous. Happening all over this city. They've just got guns and they're uncontrollable with them," said Clifford Sparrow.

Now the search is on for the suspect as the victim recovers at the hospital.

The victim is being treated at Sinai Hospital.

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