Baltimore is grappling with a surge in gun violence, with six shootings reported since Saturday, including deadly incidents in the Belair-Edison and Franklintown neighborhoods.
Overnight, Baltimore police reported a fatal shooting in the Belair Edison neighborhood. Police said someone fired multiple shots, killing a 39-year-old man near his home.
Rita Crews, president of the neighborhood association, said, “He took off from work yesterday to celebrate his birthday. And as a result of that, he was slain.”
A worker was seen cleaning the sidewalk along Belair Road near Erdman Avenue following Monday night’s triple shooting in the area.
“Oh no, not Belair Edison. That’s what I said, not again,” one resident told WBAL-TV 11 News. “It makes me cry, makes you think, makes you just pray for the city.”
Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the recent violence, calling an emergency closed-door command staff meeting.
“Very simple,” Scott said. “Just reminding everybody how we got to this point where we are having this historic reduction and pushing them to push their people.”
When asked about changes in strategies, Scott said, “We’re not going to change anything that’s been working for a couple of years. We know who the groups are. We know who they’re feuding with. Unfortunately, right now we have a couple different types of feud going on between groups.”
In the Franklintown community, another triple shooting occurred on Windsor Mill Road near Forest Park Avenue. Police said a 30-year-old man and a 24-year-old man died, while a 21-year-old man survived.
The crime scene extended a block away to Muth Avenue, between two gas stations.
Year-to-date statistics show 101 homicides in Baltimore compared to 105 at this time last year, and 253 nonfatal shootings compared to 247 last year.
Residents expressed their sadness and hope for change.
“I’m disappointed. I’m sad. I’ve been through this numerous times, and I thought we had gotten a handle on the violence,” one resident said.
Another added, “Everything was settled. That’s what I was thinking. And that’s what I’m hoping for anyway. But it’s a sad situation.”
Despite the recent violence, Belair Edison residents remain hopeful that the city will see further reductions in crime.
READ MORE:Mayor, BPD Commissioner call meeting to address surge in violence
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