TOWSON, Md. (WBFF) — Baltimore County Police say they are continuing their investigation into an armed carjacking in a parking garage at the Towson Town Center.
Investigators say it happened at 3:30 Saturday afternoon in a parking garage in the 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road, a victim reported two known individuals pointed weapons at him while he was walking to his car, and then took his vehicle.
BCPD reports that they have identified the suspects and are working to obtain arrest warrants. As of Monday afternoon, no arrests have been announced and BCPD says this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Residents reacting to the news on Monday say it’s concerning to hear of an armed carjacking in the area, but they aren’t surprised given the recent violent incidents in and around the Towson Town Center over the last several months.
“It’s definitely scary. It makes me second-guess going to the mall, especially on the weekends, warmer weather,” said Baltimore County resident Mykenize Klimczak. “It just gets really crowded in there, and you never know what’s going to happen, especially when school’s out, you really don’t know anymore. There’s a lot of crime coming at the mall, and people aren’t willing to go. That’s why I feel like a lot of businesses are leaving the mall, and it’s really sad to see.”
Last week, Baltimore County Police said five juveniles, ages 11-14 years old, are facing second-degree assault charges after police responded to a violent fight near Lambourne Road and York Road, just a few minutes’ drive from the Towson Town Center.
Then, back in November, a juvenile was stabbed and robbed inside the mall. Baltimore County Police say the teen was cut with a screwdriver, and four teenagers were arrested.
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Last October, a woman was also stabbed in the Towson Town Center parking lot.
This is unacceptable and outrageous, but another indication of where we are headed. Not just at the mall, but I think in Towson generally,” said Baltimore County Executive Candidate (D) Nick Stewart. “It starts with accountability. Where is mall management? Where is the county government? Where is the town hall to discuss the state of Towson Town Center?”
Democratic Baltimore County Executive candidate Nick Stewart is calling for more police officers in the County, but also says conversations of public safety for the mall need to start happening with ideas like having a substation in the mall like Arundel Mills, or having a special police force like at CCBC campuses.
“I was spending the day yesterday talking to voters in Timonium in the shadow of Towson, and almost everybody reported that safety in Towson is a concern,” said Stewart. “And nobody I mean, nobody, said that they were coming to Towson. So something like this just perpetuates this real fear that exists.”
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Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s office says, “Public safety is always our top priority, and any crime is concerning. I am grateful that law enforcement quickly determined this was a targeted incident—not a random act—and that suspects have been identified.
Perception matters, and people deserve to be safe and feel safe across the county. I appreciate the work of the Baltimore County Police Department, our business community, and local partners who work together every day to keep Towson thriving. My administration will continue making strong investments in public safety, ensuring our officers have the resources, technology, and modern facilities they need to protect residents, support businesses, and keep our communities safe and strong.”
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