Police are investigating a disturbing pattern of robberies in southeast Baltimore where a group of men, sometimes masked, confront their victims with a machete.
“This has been going on for the better part of this month. We can think of at least three incidents and a fourth incident that may be connected,” said Det. Nicole Monroe with the Baltimore Police Department.
Police said the attacks involve at least three Hispanic males, in some instances, five. The suspects have been targeting their victims late at night in different parts of southeast Baltimore.
One incident was on Feb. 17 at around 11:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Oldham Street in Greektown. Police said a man was walking home when a group of men emerged from behind a vehicle and tried to rob him. The victim successfully escaped into a house.
Another encounter took place on Feb. 21 at around 11:45 p.m. in the 200 block of S. Grundy St. Two people were walking when they observed the suspects. One victim was assaulted with a machete and suffered none life-threatening injuries.
According to police, a few hours later around 2 a.m. in the 3400 block of Esther Place another victim was assaulted with a machete. That person received lacerations and cuts to their hands.
Police are also investigating another possible attack in the 100 block of N. Clinton St. earlier this month.
“In all of the instances there was only one robbery completed and in that a cell phone was taken. In all the other instances people were assaulted, people were chased, but nothing was actually taken,” Monroe said.
Police said the victims were also Hispanic. Monroe added that two victims have not been speaking to police. She believes it's out of concern about their immigration status. Immigration authorities have been alerted to the string of robberies because the suspects could be undocumented immigrants, but Monroe added that they’re not interested in anyone else’s immigration status.
“We don't care about your status, we don't care about any of that. We just want you to come forward, talk to the police, you can be anonymous we just want that information so we can bring this case to a close,” Monroe said.
It’s a case that Irian Ivey wants to see closed immediately. Her son is a third grader at Highlandtown Elementary School, which is located a block away from where an incident took place on S. Grundy Street.
“A lot of these kids live around here and just to think that they could even be harmed by this or see something like that taking place that could really haunt them for the rest of their lives,” said Ivey.
The crime is already concerning to residents, but neighbors say the weapon is even more alarming.
“I've heard of a little miscellaneous crimes around here, but nothing that serious, especially with a machete,” said Ivey.
Detectives have some leads but they're asking for the public's help. If you have any information you’re asked to call police at 410-396-2422, tips can be anonymous.
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