Police Raid Vendors At North Point Plaza Flea Market
DUNDALK, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County Police shut down a flea market in Dundalk. More than a dozen vendors are accused of selling fake merchandise.
Monique Griego reports police hauled away everything from clothes to electronics. There were truckloads of items.
A busy day at the North Point Plaza Flea Market in Dundalk suddenly comes to a halt when Baltimore County police officers swoop in for a raid.
"About nine guys, full raidable gear. Looked like SWAT came running in," said vendor Mark Paul.
"Everybody was running, trying to get out the doors that had stuff. Yeah, they were trying to run but the cops already had the building surrounded," said vendor Amie Argento.
Police forced shoppers out and shut down all business at the market as detectives served search warrants on 16 vendors--accused of selling fake goods. Detectives reportedly made undercover buys leading up to the bust.
"We've actually been investigating this case for a number of months. We received complaints regarding counterfeit merchandise that was being sold from certain vendor booths here at the flea market," said Corp. Cathy Batton, Baltimore County Police.
Police combed through the merchandise, looking for rip offs of brands like Nike, Polo, North Face, Timberland and Ugg. Witnesses also reported seeing investigators take away Ravens related items.
"We are looking at CDs, DVDs, electronics, different types of clothing as well as shoes," Batton said.
All the evidence was loaded up and hauled away so it can be checked by trademark experts.
As for the vendors who are selling goods legally, the raid was more than just a hassle--it was money out of their pockets.
"The normal legit people it's hurting for the people who don't want to do stuff right," said Argento.
"Now we're closed for the rest of the day and we're cutting a loss here. We ain't making no money," Paul said.
No arrests were made and no charges were filed. Police say that won't happen until after experts take a look at the merchandise.
Police are hoping to have the flea market back open sometime Sunday.
