[Baltimore Sun] FOX45: Frustrations boil over on Glengyle Ave, suspected drug market thrives under police watch
Read Time:1 Minute, 55 Second
A Northwest Baltimore community said a summer’s worth of concerns surrounding open-air drug markets have gone unanswered. Residents said it’s been a lingering issue on Glengyle Avenue at Surrey Drive.
FOX45 News captured images of the suspected open air drug market in May — what appears to be young men doing business on the block. In the video, it shows a suspected drug dealer holding a bagged substance. Money is exchanged, and the product then given to someone in a car.
The issue resurfaced again Tuesday with emails sent from residents to Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley and other city leaders asking for help, their concerns carrying over from the summer to fall.
Jacob, who concealed his identity on camera, stepped up Tuesday and spoke out about what residents call the seemingly inaction from city leaders and police.
Ryan Coleman is president of the Randallstown NAACP. He said he’s concerned about the potential for danger and a vocal critic of police response.
“Open drug markets contribute to violence,” Coleman said. “The bottom line is that we can’t keep hearing that crime is down. We can’t keep hearing stats. We can’t keep hearing spin. So, we need city leaders to stop worrying about spinning and fight crime.”
FOX45 reached out to Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, who represents the area where the suspected drug deals are made; one side of the block is Baltimore County and the other the city.
“There’s nobody more frustrated about this location than me,” Schleifer said.
FOX45 pressed Schleifer in May and now about what he’s doing to help resolve the issue.
“We certainly have been making arrests at the location but we need to do more. Unfortunately when you have folks who are choosing the life of crime and will stop at nothing. They’re continuing to operate here regardless of the arrests that have been made, regardless of the fact we have police here constantly,” Schleifer said.
FOX45 also reached out to the Baltimore Poilice Dedpartment. A spokesperson responded saying in part, “the Northwest District has enhanced its proactive measures in the area that’s led to several arrests, and a partnership with Maryland State Police has addressed drug distribution that’s resulted in criminal and juvenile summons.”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0