Posted on 12/04/24
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 4, 2024 - As Baltimore County Police continue to investigate recent crimes near the Towson Town Center, including a recent attempted carjacking where five teens were arrested, data shows hundreds of incidents have happened at or near the mall.
According to crime data, provided by the Baltimore County Police Department, so far in 2024, there have been 492 incidents in the 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road. Compared to other years, in 2021, which was during the pandemic, there were 269 incidents. In 2022 the data shows an increase to 425 incidents and in 2023, there were 551 incidents.
The data reflects incidents from numerous crimes, including thefts, assaults, burglaries, destruction of property, robberies, and carjackings, among other crimes.
So far in 2024, there's been 35 assaults, 24 cases of destruction of property, 19 burglaries, and 13 robberies.
A spokesperson for the Baltimore County Police Department said, "The Department will maintain a presence of additional officers at various times throughout the holiday season. Holiday Deployment entails an increased police presence. Each Precinct Commander oversees the deployment of their resources. Deployment decisions are data-driven and re-evaluated regularly."
While it's not clear how many of the crimes were committed by juveniles, based on information released from police, some of them were, including the recent attempted carjacking. Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger said his office received the police report and that all five teens were immediately detained after they were arrested. He said there will be hearings soon to determine the next steps in the case.
"It's a very difficult crime for two people who are minding their own business at the shopping center, walking to their car, believe they are being followed, start running to their car, then they get accosted while they are in their car," Shellenberger said. "Fortunately one of the victims in the car was able to dial 911, and once that happened the potential defendants ran away."
While new juvenile justice laws took effect in November, Shellenberger said his office has not seen much of a difference yet. He said the review process in some cases can still take up to almost 30 days, based on when police finish their investigation, when the Department of Juvenile Services reviews the case, and when the State's Attorney's Office receives it. However, he said he expects to have
"What I believe we will see, we will be receiving more cases in our juvenile system and be able to bring more cases to court to make it a more formal process," he added.