Baltimore Police: Four teens shot at while walking through Patterson Park
BALTIMORE -- Patterson Park is one of Baltimore's gems, and on busy summer days, it is often packed with people.
Police said four teenagers were walking through the park when someone shot at them and missed around 5:50 p.m. on Monday.
The suspect fled on foot, and no one was injured.
It happened on the north side of the park, not far from the intersection of East Baltimore Street and North Luzerne Avenue.
"I'm getting a call for possible discharging—Patterson Park...caller says they saw two males in dark hoodies running around at the center of the park," an officer said on a police dispatch transmission that WJZ has reviewed.
Lauren Paul lives near the park and uses it regularly.
"It definitely gives me pause because I'm around the park all the time—in the daytime especially," Paul said. " I always feel safe around the park, but having it be at that time of day is a little unsettling, especially because it is usually such a community feel around here."
Less than six weeks ago, on June 29, police shot and killed a man wanted on a warrant just before 6 p.m. They said the suspect shot at them. At least 40 rounds were fired. That incident took place a few blocks away on North Milton Avenue and remains under investigation.
In April, an 18-year-old Wilfredo Hernandez-Reyes was shot and killed next to the park, in the 2900 block of East Pratt Street, in April.
Last Thanksgiving, 23-year-old Henri Jones was killed on North Lakewood Avenue, about a block from the park. Jones' killing remains unsolved.
Year-to-date in Baltimore City, homicides are down 25 percent from 211 last year to 159 now.
Non-fatal shootings are down 7 percent from 425 in 2022 to 395 so far this year.
Some residents said isolated, violent incidents do not define the communities surrounding Patterson Park.
"Patterson Park is an incredible community and people shouldn't feel unsafe about coming out here," said Jacquelyn, who uses the park regularly. "I think there are certainly random acts of violence that happen everywhere. The argument could be made that we see more of it now, but that doesn't define the entire picture. I come here all the time. I bring my child. I come here with my dog. I wouldn't let that cause fear."
Police do not have a suspect description for the shooting on Monday. Anyone with information about the incident should call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-Lockup.
