A large riot continues to grow violent Monday afternoon in Baltimore.
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April 27, 2015
washington.cbslocal.com
Baltimore Police say seven officers, including one who is unresponsive, have been injured.
Police have sprayed mace and used tear gas to push back riots, but a large group of teenagers is continuing to throw bricks, rocks and other items at officers.
WNEW’s Karen Adams reports police have arrested two people so far. The protests started in the area of Mondawmin Mall have spilled into nearby streets and neighborhoods.
Police say the group has refused to follow orders and the department is continuing to deploy resources into the neighborhoods near the mall. Officers are also using fire extinguishers to put out small fires that rioters started.
A police car was set on fire at North Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave. and drivers are advised to avoid the area.
Protesters looted stores including a CVS in the area.
The Mondawmin, Upton and Penn North Metro stations are temporarily closed until further notice because of the riots.
Mondawmin Mall, Lexington Market, The Avenue Market and Cross Street Market closed early this afternoon in anticipation of the protests.
The Baltimore Police Department said earlier in the day they received a credible threat that numerous gangs have entered into a partnership to “take-out” law enforcement officers.
According to the department, they have received credible information that various gangs including the Black Guerilla Family, Bloods and Crips have entered into the partnership.
“Law enforcement agencies should take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of their officers,” the department says in a press release.
Baltimore City Schools released this statement:
At this time of tension and anxiety regarding the tragic events surrounding Mr. Freddie Gray, we have a heightened responsibility to our students, families, and school communities. First, the safety of our staff and students is our top concern. We are in constant contact with the Mayor’s Office, Baltimore City Police Department, and the City Health Department, and are coordinating with them to ensure we are ready to respond to situations as they arise. We will make crisis counselors and mental health professionals available at schools throughout the city for all of our students, and they will remain as long as it is necessary. Additionally, we have redeployed senior district staff and mobile units to assist in ensuring safe passage of our students between school buildings and bus stops. We are also communicating with each one of our school leaders around effective instructional strategies to heighten student awareness and understanding of social justice issues. We are deeply concerned about our students and community, and we hope to treat this situation not only as a teachable moment but also a time for thoughtful reflection on how we can reduce conflict and violence in our society. We will continue to be vigilant in our support for all of the city’s young people.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore closed its downtown campus at 2 p.m. after the police department’s warning. The university posted this statement to its website:
Due to reports from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) concerning scheduled activities today beginning at 3 p.m., UMB will close today at 2 p.m. at the recommendation of the BPD. These activities may be potentially violent and UMB could be in the path of any violence. The safety of our students and employees is of paramount importance please vacate the campus as soon as possible.
T. Rowe Price in Baltimore is another business that closed early and gave this statement to WNEW:
We took this step to honor our commitment to the safety of our associates. Business continuity procedures have been implemented to ensure our operations continue uninterrupted. We expect that many of our associates will continue working remotely for the remainder of the day. We will continue to monitor the situation in consultation with local authorities.
A spokesperson for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore said, “Posting on social media indicates the possibility of student protests in downtown this afternoon. We have no way to confirm whether something will actually happen, but we are paying close attention.”
WNEW’s Karen Adams is at Mondawmin Mall. Continue to refresh this story for updates from the scene. |
