Councilman Zachary Blanchard put out the following statement on crime and public safety:
Youth Crime, Public Safety, and Our Path Forward
In the past week, I’ve heard from many neighbors who are rightfully alarmed by incidents of youth- involved crime in and around the Peninsula. I owe it to our neighbors to explain the work I have been putting in to making our communities safer.
Public Safety Committee Chair Mark Conway and I, as Vice Chair, have held legislative oversight hearings on the city’s Summer Youth Engagement strategy and the broader youth criminal justice intake process. We are committed to holding agencies accountable for how they intervene at critical moments. At the most recent hearing, we learned that of those young offenders who are released after Baltimore Police Department (BPD) recommends detention, 30 percent offend again within two months or fail to appear for their court date.
Within the context of recent events, I find this data particularly alarming and will be taking imme- diate, focused steps to confront youth-involved crime and recidivism and push for accountability where the system falls short:
- Along with Council leadership, I will press the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to address the alarmingly high rate of repeat offenders among youth who are released despite BPD-recommended detention.
- I have worked to expand and sustain the Movement Team’s presence around Digital Harbor High School, where its engagement with young people has proven critical.
- I am working with bar owners, BPD, and the Baltimore City Sherriff’s Office to craft a plan to fund and deploy off-duty sworn officers in key locations to prevent late-night violence.
- I will continue supporting community leaders working to expand the public safety camera network to better monitor and deter illegal activity.
- I will continue to advocate for Baltimore City DOT and BPD to crack down on dirt biking and drag racing along Key Highway, which pose risks to drivers and residents.
Although crime rates are improving in Baltimore, recent incidents remind us that our work is not done. Residents on the Peninsula and across the entire city deserve to feel safe going about their daily lives and I will not be satisfied until that is the case. I remain committed to bold action, honest dialogue, and transparent results. We have a long way to go but I believe it’s both possible and necessary to hold two truths at once: We must be alarmed by recent events and take immediate steps to address them, and we must also remain encouraged by the broader positive trajectory of public safety in Baltimore. I’ll keep working every day to make our neighborhoods safer and stronger and hold our public safety agencies accountable to the people who live in them.
From Federal Hill Main Street:
Federal Hill Main Street Launches Innovative Bar Safety Initiative Ahead of Summer Season
BALTIMORE, MD – May 13, 2025 – Federal Hill Main Street (FHMS) announced today the launch of a pioneering public safety program that will provide networked ID scanners to bars and restaurants throughout the Federal Hill business district. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Baltimore City directly addresses the neighborhood’s increased security needs as the busy summer season approaches.
The ID Scanner Program, funded through a grant from the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), represents a significant investment in Federal Hill’s hospitality industry and public safety infrastructure. The program equips participating establishments with advanced technology to verify customer identification, detect fake IDs, and share information about disruptive patrons.
“Our bar and restaurant owners have consistently expressed concerns about security challenges that threaten their businesses and customers,” said Taylor Schwartz, Executive Director of Federal Hill Main Street. “This program responds directly to their needs by providing a powerful tool that enhances safety while protecting their liquor licenses.”
The initiative comes at a critical time as Federal Hill prepares for increased foot traffic during the summer months. The technology allows establishments to work collaboratively to prevent underage drinking and reduce incidents that could jeopardize public safety or business operations.
As a pilot program, the initiative will initially include 25 Federal Hill establishments, with potential for expansion based on results. The program balances enhanced security with strong privacy protections, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws while giving businesses the tools they need to operate responsibly.
Key features of the program include:
- Advanced ID authentication technology that can detect fake IDs from all 50 states
- A secure information-sharing network among participating businesses
- Comprehensive staff training on system use and privacy protection
- Strict protocols to prevent discrimination and protect patron privacy
- Enhanced documentation capabilities for security incidents
Federal Hill Main Street developed the program in close consultation with local business owners to ensure it addresses their specific needs while aligning with FHMS’s mission to promote a safe, vibrant commercial district.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting Federal Hill businesses with innovative solutions to real-world challenges,” added Meg Murray, FHMS Board President. “By securing this grant funding from DHCD, we’re helping our bars and restaurants protect their investments and better serve the community.”
The program launches this month, with participating establishments implementing the technology ahead of the summer season.
From BPD:
On May 17, 2025, at approximately 2:52 a.m., Southern District patrol officers responded to the unit block of East Cross Street for a report of gunfire.
Once there, officers were approached by a 30-year-old male suffering from an apparent non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
The victim was transported by medics to an area hospital for treatment.
Southern District detectives ask anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.
According to the BPD Crime Map, the following crimes occurred from 5/7/25 to 5/13/25:
Ridgely’s Delight
BURGLARY, 600 DOVER ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 9:00
Stadium Area
NONE
Barre Circle
AUTO THEFT, 1000 W BARRE ST, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 21:00
Otterbein
AUTO THEFT, 500 S CHARLES ST, SUNDAY, 5/11/25, 9:00
Sharp-Leadenhall
NONE
Federal Hill
AUTO THEFT, 1000 LIGHT ST, THURSDAY, 5/8/25, 2:00
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 6 WEST ST, SUNDAY, 5/11/25, 3:00
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1200 PATAPSCO ST, SUNDAY, 5/11/25, 18:00
BURGLARY, 1000 RIVERSIDE AVE, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 3:00
Federal Hill South/Riverside
BURGLARY, 1100 RIVERSIDE AVE, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 14:00
BURGLARY, 1400 RIVERSIDE AVE, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 3:00
South Baltimore Neighborhood
LARCENY, 1300 RACE ST, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 5:00
LARCENY, 1300 RACE ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 12:00
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1800 S HANOVER ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 18:00
Key Highway/HarborView
NONE
Inner Harbor
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 100 E PRATT ST, THURSDAY, 5/8/25, 22:00
SHOPLIFTING, 600 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 5/9/25, 12:00
SHOPLIFTING, 600 E PRATT ST, FRIDAY, 5/9/25, 13:00
SHOPLIFTING, 600 E PRATT ST, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 17:00
SHOPLIFTING, 600 E PRATT ST, SUNDAY, 5/11/25, 18:00
SHOPLIFTING, 400 E PRATT ST, MONDAY, 5/12/25, 10:00
SHOPLIFTING, 400 E PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 8:00
SHOPFLIFTING, 600 E PRATT ST, WEDNESDAY, 5/14/25, 16:00
Baltimore Peninsula/Port Covington
NONE
Locust Point
LARCENY, 1500 LOWMAN ST, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 11:00
Pigtown
LARCENY, 1000 W CROSS ST, FRIDAY, 5/9/25, 11:00
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, 1300 JAMES ST, FRIDAY, 5/9/25, 21:00
SHOPLIFTING, 1200 W PRATT ST, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 14:00
LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, SATURDAY, 5/10/25, 19:00
LARCENY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, MONDAY, 5/12/25, 16:00
SHOOTING, 1100 SARGEANT ST, MONDAY, 5/12/25, 17:00
From BPD:
Southern District Shooting Investigation
On May 12, 2025, at approximately 5:38 p.m., Officers received a ShotSpotter alert for discharging in the 1100 block of Sargeant Street.
As officers arrived to the scene, a call for a shooting was reported at the location. Officers observed a 25-year-old female and a 28-year-old female, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to area hospitals in stable condition.
A short time later, officers were called to an area hospital for a shooting victim seeking treatment. Once at the hospital, officers observed a 14-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Preliminary information revealed that all three victims were shot while in the 1100 block of Sargeant Street.
Southern District Shooting Detectives are investigating this incident and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may utilize the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You may also submit an anonymous online text tip to Metro Crime Stoppers by visiting the MCS website.
AUTO THEFT, 1200 CLEVELAND ST, MONDAY, 5/12/25, 20:00
BURGLARY, 700 WASHINGTON BLVD, MONDAY, 5/12/25, 20:00
LARCENY, 1100 S CAREY ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 11:00
SHOPLIFTING, 1200 W PRATT ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 18:00
Carroll – Camden Industrial Area
NONE
Hollins Market
AUTO THEFT, 1200 HOLLINS ST, SUNDAY, 5/11/25, 1:00
BURGLARY, 800 HOLLINS ST, TUESDAY, 5/13/25, 2:00
Union Square
LARCENY, 1300 W LOMBARD ST, THURSDAY, 5/8/25, 6:00
Offense definitions from the FBI
South Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhoods Map
The post South Baltimore Crime Updates first appeared on SouthBMore.com.