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City Police Hunt Down Suspects Following Deadly Month In Baltimore

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)--Dozens of murders and shootings in the month of May alone. Now, the Baltimore City Police Department is trying to hunt down the people pulling the trigger.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the progress they're making.

Police say they have all hands on deck trying to catch the people responsible for this violent streak, but experts say it's a problem that won't be solved quickly.

These are some of the faces Baltimore City police say are behind a recent outbreak of violence on the streets. One of them-- the alleged gunman who fired on a 9-year-old boy.

"I was playing basketball, then these people start shooting," said Eli Ebron.

Kevin Pyatt--- now behind bars is charged with attempted murder.

The crime-- one of 219 non-fatal shootings in the city this year. That's compared to 120 shootings this time last year.

The city-- reeling after one of the most deadly months in decades, 43 people killed in May alone.

"We're talking about people. These are not numbers. These are human beings who've lost their lives in the streets of Baltimore," said Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.

Police continue their hunt for suspects-- arresting 10 people and have open warrants on 11 more.

But just how difficult is it for the police to go after that many gunmen?

It's a daunting task.

Public safety expert and former police officer, Doug Ward says the recent arrests will ease some fears in the community.

"I think it is reassuring that the police showing these successes. The downside of that is the successes are few and far between," Ward says.

But, he says Baltimore didn't get here overnight and the violence won't be solved quickly.

"This has been a slowly boiling crisis for years. It just reached the tipping point and that's what we're seeing now."

And recovery will take some time.

The police commissioner has requested federal help, asking for more agents and prosecutors here in Baltimore.

Police say the warrant apprehension task force has arrested 83 people with open warrants in the city over the last week.

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