Baltimore residents are increasingly defending themselves against carjackers, with three incidents of citizens fighting back reported in the past month alone.

In the latest confrontation early Tuesday morning, a 31-year-old driver shot and seriously wounded a 17-year-old who allegedly tried to steal his car on South Haven Street. Days earlier on Augusta Avenue, another armed citizen fought back when surveillance footage captured a dramatic scene. After initially running from carjackers, the 32-year-old car owner drew his weapon and shot a suspect, who collapsed and died shortly after.

“I’m grateful the owner was able to defend himself,” said one South Baltimore resident, who revealed she had also been a recent carjacking victim.

With growing frustration over persistent crime, some residents believe citizen self-defense may become more common. “If this crime spree isn’t brought under control, you’re going to see more and more people arming themselves,” warned one Baltimore resident, who asked to remain anonymous.

“People are scared to walk out of their houses. Businesses are greatly affected,” said Beth Hawks, a South Baltimore homeowner, highlighting the concerns driving citizens to take protection into their own hands.