Residents demand locked doors, added security after gunfire and bear mace incident

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Violence this week at a northwest Baltimore apartment complex has heightened residents’ fears and renewed calls for better security, including locked doors and more protection in common areas.

Residents at the Parkway Overlook apartments said doors meant to secure parts of the complex are often left unlocked and that there is not enough security.

One resident said, “At least put a lock on the door, at least the building doors if you give us a key for the door give us a lock too.”

Those concerns intensified after a dispute Tuesday night escalated into gunfire.

Charging documents say 31-year-old Linay Wilkes had been involved in an ongoing dispute with a 33-year-old woman. Police said that around 11 p.m. Tuesday, the dispute turned physical in the complex’s courtyard.

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Investigators said Wilkes’ twin sister, Liniera Wilkes, then sprayed bear mace at multiple people, including children ages 11, 12 and 14.

A resident described the situation as “a mess,” adding, “It’s unfortunate for the kids, but more so you gotta lead by example. So what your kids see is what they’re gonna do.”

Police said the 33-year-old woman later went to the twins’ part of the complex to confront them, opening a public vestibule door leading toward the apartment. That is when police said Linay Wilkes shot the woman in the right calf from the second floor.

Investigators later found a blood trail, a knife outside and a handgun in the yard behind the apartment building.

Police said Linay Wilkes was already prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior conviction. She faces multiple charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder.

Residents said the arrests have not eased their concerns about safety at the complex.

Another resident who did not want to speak on camera said that weeks earlier, a naked woman ran into their apartment and grabbed a butter knife before being chased out by the homeowners.

One resident said, “I would not leave past 10 o’clock. Honestly, it’s better to stay in the house after certain hours.” Another added, “I doubt they’re gonna actually put security here, but it could be, it could be better protection.”

Management of the apartment complex was contacted about residents’ concerns, including claims about unlocked doors and a lack of security, but there was no response.