Baltimore County town hall gives residents a chance to discuss public safety concerns

Baltimore County leaders met with residents Monday night to discuss public safety concerns following several high-profile incidents that have shaken community confidence, even as officials say overall crime is declining.

The town hall, the first in a series planned across the county, allowed residents to ask questions to law enforcement and government officials about crime, traffic safety, juvenile justice, and other issues affecting their neighborhoods.

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino and Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger answered questions throughout the event, outlining current enforcement efforts and youth intervention programs.

"We are holding young people accountable and rebuilding the Department of Juvenile Services to have more interventions to help our young people ahead of bad things happening," Tolentino said.

County leaders will host two additional public safety town hall meetings at CCBC Essex on Tuesday, July 14, at 6 p.m., and at the Randallstown Community Center on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. 

Crime in Towson 

The town hall series comes after several high-profile crimes sparked concerns in the Towson area, including a deadly road rage shooting near the mall. 

Police arrested Reginald Gray Jr., 33, weeks after he allegedly shot and killed Towson University student Nasir Majied, 22, during a road rage shooting on Friday, June 5, in Towson Circle. The shooting sparked a search and an investigation that revealed Gray had cut off Majied at a red light before Majied cut off Gray at the next intersection. 

The town hall also comes after teen meet-ups prompted a youth curfew at the Towson Town Center, after carjackings in the mall's parking lot sparked concerns, and after a series of peeping tom incidents at an apartment complex ended with several arrests.

Addressing residents' public safety concerns

Several residents questioned whether county leaders are doing enough to improve safety.

"This is insane," a resident said. "I don't know what you're doing, but it doesn't seem to be working for me."

County officials acknowledged that public perception remains a challenge.

Police leaders said crime statistics show improvements in several categories, but they recognized that many residents continue to feel unsafe.

"You know perception is the issue, and perception is reality," Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said. "If we perceive we are unsafe and we feel unsafe, then that's our reality."

The discussion, however, extended beyond the recent headline-making crimes.

Residents raised concerns about speeding, particularly along York Road, where one attendee said crossing the street has become a safety concern.

"My biggest fear is crossing the crosswalk on York Road," a resident said.

Others questioned how the county is addressing juvenile crime, including carjackings involving young suspects.

"What's going on with juvenile justice?" a resident asked. "People are hijacking cars and the kids appear to be let go."

Attendees also asked about enforcement of Maryland's window tint laws. Police officials said officers continue to enforce the regulations but acknowledged violations remain widespread.

A student also participated in the discussion, asking what steps officials are taking to improve safety in Towson for pedestrians, drivers, and residents.