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Police Make Arrest In Double Fatal Shooting Over Parking Space

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Baltimore man has been arrested and charged in the double murder of two men.

Tracey Leong has more on what police say led to this vicious attack.

Police say it started as an argument between two neighbors over a parking space. That quickly escalated and turned deadly.

A heinous crime in the center of a Baltimore neighborhood surrounded by an elementary and high school.

"You don't even hear a bird chirp. It's a shock...what happened," said a neighbor.

Forty-year-old Robert Thomas and 47-year-old Troy Preston were gunned down by their neighbor, 34-year-old Dennis Padgett.

"Stems from an ongoing neighbor dispute and he felt threatened by the neighbors," said Baltimore City Police Detective Ruganzu Howard.

Police say Padgett had been arguing about a parking space with his neighbor Robert Thomas for the past year. On Friday, it turned deadly. Police say Padgett pulled out a large caliber assault rifle and 9-millimeter handgun, killing the victims in the middle of the street---just after nearby schools let out.

Padgett ran back to his home after the shootings. When he was surrounded by police, Padgett surrendered.

"After a thorough and lengthy interviewer, he provided information admitting to the crimes," Howard said.

People who live there say it is typically a quiet neighborhood but they say it's not uncommon for people to argue over parking spaces, even going as far as blocking off areas in front o their home.

"But that's illegal. Not only illegal, it's inconsiderate and dangerous," said Joseph Armstead, president of the community association.

Armstead says Friday's shootings show exactly how dangerous it can get.

"Even when the weather is not inclement, they'll claim a parking space and keep it all year," he said. "Nobody needs to get hurt over a parking space."

Armstead says they plan to hold a vigil next Monday. Everyone is invited to attend.

Padgett is facing first degree murder and weapons charges.

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