2 teenagers injured in shooting at Baltimore County party, police say

Two teenagers were injured in a shooting after a fight broke out at a party in Baltimore County early Sunday, according to police.

Officers responded shortly after midnight to the  8000 block of Gough Street in Dundalk for reports of a shooting. A 16-year-old was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and another 16-year-old had a laceration to his upper body, police said.

Later, officers were notified of a man who arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound.

Investigators determined the shooting happened during a dispute at a party.

The Baltimore County Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to call detectives at 410-887-4636.

Neighbors are concerned about the increase in crime

Neighbors in the Dundalk community have told WJZ that crime has worsened there in recent years.

WJZ obtained security video from when the shots were fired.

"It's not worth it," said Ali, a neighbor. "This whole area has gone downhill, and this is nothing like it was. My grandparents bought this house originally in the 50s, and then it went down through the family, and it's nothing like it was before."

Several neighbors said this side of the street has been a persistent problem for them with parties getting out of hand regularly.

Ali told WJZ that when she was growing up in the neighborhood, she always felt safe, but she added that the sense of security has changed.

"[It's] completely different," Ali said. "You had kids running around and everything in backyards. You were safe. You were fine. Half the time, people didn't lock their doors, and now you have to have everything bolted down."

Some neighbors said off camera, they aren't surprised by the recent crime. Some have lived on Gough Street for decades and now are looking to leave, including Ali, who is a mother and wants her children to be safe.

"It's absolutely insane," Ali said. "Hopefully gets a little safer, but I truthfully don't see that happening. The only way to get safe first to get out of here."

Two killed in Baltimore County crash

Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, two young adults were killed when their vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree in Baltimore County, according to police.

The crash happened in the 2200 block of Holly Neck Road in Essex. 

Investigators said the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling westbound when it veered off the roadway and struck at least one tree. The driver, 18-year-old Austin Lautenschlager, and a rear passenger, 19-year-old David Santos III, were both pronounced dead at the scene

Homicides in Baltimore County

According to the Baltimore County crime data, as of October 4, 29 people have been victims of homicide this year. During that same timeframe in 2024, there were 18 homicide victims in Baltimore County.