Teen killed in Overlea shooting, police say
BALTIMORE -- A 17-year-old was fatally shot last night in the Overlea community of Baltimore County, leaving residents nervous and scared.
Police have identified the victim as Elias Cieslak.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting and what Cieslak was doing behind Fulton Plaza.
Baltimore residents have expressed shock that such an incident occurred in their community.
"It hurts my heart that another kid had to lose their life to senseless violence. You can almost touch anybody here in Baltimore, and they've been affected by gun violence," said Thomas Stallings, a former Baltimore City teacher. "It's a problem. It's an issue that we are having here in Baltimore, and it needs to get addressed."
Baltimore County Police responded to the 7900 block of Belair Road for a reported shooting just before 10:00 PM on Sunday.
When they arrived, they found Cieslak suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper body.
Cieslak was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"It's just devastating that our young people are going through such a rough time," Stallings said. "We need more services out here for people. It's a cry out for help. We have to come together as people. It's not a black thing, it's not a white thing, it's an us thing."
Anyone with information concerning the shooting is asked to contact detectives at 410-307-2020. Information may also be provided through iWATCH.