FREDERICK, Md. (7News) — People who live and work in downtown Frederick, Maryland, said they are increasingly concerned about groups of teens they believe are causing problems in the area, including allegations of harassment, assaults and vehicle break-ins.
One man, who asked not to be identified because he says he fears being targeted again, told 7News he was attacked last Thursday night after trying to help a homeless woman who he says was being assaulted.
He showed 7News injuries to his arms, legs and side. He says he suffered a concussion and was left unconscious on Market Street.
AUG 2026 – Images of alleged bruises from attack. One man, who asked not to be identified because he says he fears being targeted again, told 7News he was attacked last Thursday night, Aug. 6, 2026, after trying to help a homeless woman who he says was being assaulted. (7News)
“4 teens maybe five ended up harassing her. I tried to put a stop to it, they got aggressive, and they acted like they had a firearm. I continued walking down the street, they kicked me from behind and just bludgeoned me,” he said.
“They kicked me by my ribs and then just ran off in front of a cop. Cop didn’t realize I was in danger until I showed him my elbows, and then at that point they had invaded, they had escaped.”
The man said he was previously homeless himself and has gotten to know some of the people living on the streets in downtown Frederick.
Business owners and residents also told 7News they have experienced or witnessed what they describe as harassment and other troubling behavior involving groups of teens.
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Police, however, say they have not received reports that substantiate the specific allegations involving harassment or assaults against unhoused people.
The department did acknowledge a year-to-date increase in thefts from motor vehicles.
However, police say they currently have no information connecting those vehicle break-ins to the teens or groups described by the people who spoke with 7News.
The Frederick Police Department is encouraging anyone who has experienced or witnessed harassment, assault, theft or another crime to report it.
Police say those reports allow officers to investigate specific incidents, identify potential patterns and determine whether there is a broader problem.
Statement from the Frederick Police Department:
“At this time, FPD is not aware of any reported incidents involving individuals harassing or assaulting unhoused individuals downtown that align with the allegations you described.
The department has seen a small year-to-date increase in thefts from motor vehicles; however, we do not currently have information connecting those incidents to the activity or individuals described by your source.
We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed harassment, assault, theft or other criminal activity to report it to FPD. Those reports allow officers to investigate specific incidents, identify potential patterns and take appropriate action.
If individuals or business owners have information about these reported incidents that has not previously been shared with police, we encourage them to contact FPD.”
The department is also asking anyone who has information about incidents that have not previously been reported to contact police.
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