Baltimore Police Search For Canton Robbery Suspect
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- There's a warning for anyone in Canton, Fells Point and Butcher's Hill after a terrifying string of robberies. Police believe one man may be behind them all.
Mike Hellgren has more on the investigation and the young women being targeted.
The robber has a handgun, has been violent and has targeted groups of women in their 20s. The latest victims were tourists. Police are now saturating the area with patrols.
The frightening crimes unfolded after dark in some of Baltimore's most popular neighborhoods: Canton, Fells Point and Butcher's Hill. Women have been robbed at gunpoint. The masked gunman has taken off with cash, phones and keys.
"I want everyone in Baltimore to know who Jerry is," said Anthony Guglielmi.
Jerry Hercum doesn't have a long rap sheet but police believe he may have been connected to all the crimes---four armed robberies spread across the area from July 4 to last weekend.
"We're pulling out all the stops. We want Mr. Hercum to be famous and we want him caught immediately," Guglielmi said.
"Coming out of the bars, coming home, it's a little nerve-wracking," said Katie McNeely.
McNeely lives next to the Canton Market, where the first group of women were targeted.
"I'm not going anywhere by myself. I'm going to always keep my cell phone out, keep my keys out in my hand, maybe carry some pepper spray," McNeely said.
One of the latest robberies was Saturday on South Potomac Street, not far from Canton Square. In this case, the woman was hit in the head when the suspect asked for her keys. The suspect left in a Lexus without license plates.
"I've always thought that this area is a pretty good area. I've never been concerned for my safety at all," said Kevin Seigworth.
That same night, a family visiting from Connecticut was robbed on Patterson Park Avenue by a masked gunman who asked them to throw their valuables into the street.
"It's very shocking, especially in this area. I always thought this was a safe area," said Sandy Wilson.
If you see Hercum, police want you to call them right away.
Police say witnesses and suspects both led them to suspect Hercum.
