White Marsh Olive Garden closed day after shooting victim found there
BALTIMORE -- An Olive Garden near White Marsh Mall inexplicably closed about an hour after opening Tuesday. The night before, a shooting victim was found at the restaurant.
WJZ's Dennis Valera reports that customers were told the establishment was closing without being given a reason. A scribbled "closed" sign was taped to the front door of the Italian restaurant.
WJZ reached out to Olive Garden to find out why this location closed early, but still haven't heard back.
Beverly Rogers also tried to find out why it was closed. She was one of the many people who had to change their lunch plans.
"So I went and I Googled," she said. "I saw there was a shooting here last night, which is sort of unsettling."
Officers responded at 8:30 p.m. to the area for a reported assault, then they found the victim with a gunshot wound.
Baltimore County Police told WJZ they do not believe the victim was shot inside the restaurant, and provided no further details.
The condition of the victim was not immediately clear. The shooting remains under investigation.
Robin Skinner wasn't surprised when she heard about the shooting, she said she saw the writing on the wall years ago.
"I moved from this area back in 2015 because of the chance of getting shot or injured in this area," Skinner said.
Rogers said overall she still feels safe in the area, however, she is more attentive these days.
"I have noticed I've gotten more cautious of my presence around me. It's sad to say," she said. "Even when I walk to the car, I turn around, I'm constantly looking -- because you never know. Anybody can be a victim, including me."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.
