$32k reward offered for information in violent Bolton Hill carjacking attempt

Baltimore police are making a new push to find the suspects connected to an attempted carjacking that left an elderly man seriously injured last month in the Bolton Hill neighborhood.

A reward of up to $32,000 is now available for information leading to felony charges and an arrest in the case.

The attempted carjacking happened on January 7 near the intersection of Laurens Street and Eutaw Place. A 77-year-old man and his 22-year-old son were unloading groceries right outside their home that evening when two black sports utility vehicles pulled up, police said. 

Teenagers exited the vehicles and attacked the man and his son, according to authorities. They tried to steal their car but fled before officers arrived. Police say the suspects are juveniles but have been unable to identify them.

The 22-year-old suffered minor injuries, but the wife of the 77-year-old man told WJZ that he is still in the recovery process and recently had brain surgery. 

On Tuesday, she said her husband is finally starting to show signs of a good recovery.

"His progress has been slow, [but] heartening to see he has a little bit more energy now," she said.

The wife, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the reward is offering a little hope.

"We need citizens' help, we need the help of churches, we need the help of the schools," she said. "So, we're doing as broad a reach as possible."

Car crimes continue to be a concern in the neighborhood. The Bolton Hill Community Association is now looking to buy and install license plate readers, like what was recently installed int he Federal Hill neighborhood.

"There is a grant that's going to be made available February or March from the state, which we are going to apply for," said Jim Prost, chairman of BHCA's safety and security committee.

Prost adds BHCA is looking to better coordinate police and security presence in the area -- but also continuing to foster neighborhood unity.

"Neighbor looking after neighbor, people being vigilant," he said.

Because no one, especially the 77-year-old victim's wife, wants another Jan. 7 again.

"This kind of crime can happen to anyone of us at any time, so we have to work together," she said.

If you know anything about this violent carjacking incident, you're urged to contact Metro Crime Stoppers or Baltimore City Police.

The Bolton Hill Community Association is looking to create an online survey for neighbors, so it can learn more about security concerns.

The survey will also find out if any neighbors are willing to pitch in financially to make things safer.