Four injured in brazen Charles Street shootout following violent Baltimore weekend

BALTIMORE — A brazen daytime shootout near East 21st Street and North Charles Street just before noon Monday sent four people to hospitals. People in the community called for something to be done to stop the violence.

"One point in time, this used to be 'Charm City.' This is 'Harm City' now. The killing, for the love of god, the killing that's going on, it doesn't make sense," said Erwin who lives in the neighborhood. "Every time you turn on the tv, somebody's getting killed in Baltimore City. It don't make sense. ...Our kids are our future and most of them are dying. Why? Where are the guns coming from? Where are they getting them from?"

WJZ blurred video that shows one of the victims on the ground in an alley moments before the ambulance arrived.

"Preliminary information suggests this was some type of argument that escalated. Someone produced a firearm and began shooting," Commissioner Michael Harrison said. "We talk about this every day...not just the prevalence of guns but the willingness to use guns to solve conflict."

The violence Monday afternoon followed a violent weekend where several juveniles were shot. Among them is 12-year-old Jalen Richards who was killed in the Westport community. Police said he was shot with an assault-style rifle. A community walk was held there Monday evening.

"I'm tired of waking up and hearing about another youth dead," said Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates.

 Bates also called for parents to be held accountable for their children's actions.

He along with other leaders met Monday morning to discuss what can be done. Mayor Brandon Scott said he is still committed to a holistic approach to stop the violence.

"People are dying over small, petty conflict," Mayor Scott said. He referenced a Stop The Beef Hotline that has been set up to resolve those conflicts among youth. 

"You keep blaming the mayor. What can he do? You can't put police on every corner. Ivan Bates says more gun laws. Higher penalties. They don't care," said a North Baltimore resident who declined to give his name over safety concerns. "It's daytime, but it don't matter what time it is. They don't care." 

Anyone with information about the recent shootings can call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-Lockup and can remain anonymous with their tips.