Baltimore County police arrested three teenagers in connection with an assault and stabbing of a man at the Towson Town Center, as the search for additional suspects continues. County police said officers were called around 8:30 p.m. on May 29 for a fight in progress in the 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road.
Police said witnesses told officers that a group of about 10 to 12 boys and girls assaulted and stabbed an adult victim. A witness took the victim to a hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released, police said.
The victim told officers the incident began inside the mall when the assailants tried to take his belongings and followed him into the parking garage, where they assaulted him in a stairwell, police said.
Police on Tuesday said investigators have arrested a two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl. One of the 17-year-old boys was charged as an adult and remains held without bond. The others were charged as juveniles and were released to their parents, police said.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski released a statement, saying:
“Ensuring our residents are safe – and feel safe – is a priority, and Baltimore County will continue to ensure that anyone who commits a crime in our communities is found, arrested, and held accountable. I am grateful to our Towson precinct officers for their vigilant investigative work to identify these suspects, as well as their continued dedication to the safety of our communities.”
Nancy Hafford, the executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said taht although she’s disappointed in Wednesday’s incident, she said three arrests in less than a week sends a message.
Here’s another example of where some individuals had an egregious incident, and we caught them,” Hafford told 11 News. “Times are changing. Incidents do happen. But if people realize you’re going to get caught here and prosecuted, we think nothing will deter crime more.”
Shoppers said they are upset about the incident.
I’m just upset about it,” said Yvonne Robinson, a mall patron.
We were talking about it. We wanted to park across the street because we didn’t want to park in the parking garage just for safety reasons,” said a mall patron who identified herself as Emily.
Pay attention, be aware, keep close to your kids. Just be safe,” said a mall patron who identified herself as Bryan.
Hafford said she’s confident that Towson remains a safe place.
“We can’t always stop something from happening, but if it happens, we’re going to send a clear message that you don’t want to do something like that here,” Hafford told 11 News. “It’s safe. Come out and enjoy.”
Investigators are asking residents and businesses who may have video of the incident to call them at 410-307-2020. Visitors and residents can expect an increased police presence in the Towson area, police said.
