BALTIMORE — "Just know when bad actors commit acts of violence, we will find you and we will hold you accountable,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison.
Strong words for criminals in Baltimore from Police Commissioner Michael Harrison during a press conference at city hall where he and Mayor Jack Young announced the arrests of 13 homicide suspects so far this year in cases going back to 2019.
"This is a good start,” said Mayor Young.
They also announced the arrest of 80 people this year on gun charges. while at the same time taking 157 guns off the streets.
"Everyday our officers demonstrate our sense of urgency getting in front of the crime fight," said Harrison.
Last year, Baltimore had its deadliest year on record with 348 murders. Carmen Rodriguez is among the victims. She was killed three days before Christmas during a robbery at the Kim Deli and Grocery on N. Kenwood Avenue.
Terrance Patterson, 29, was charged in the murder. He was also included in the arrests Young and Harrison announced.
Peterson turned himself in, but the other suspect is still out there. Because of that, Rodriguez's husband expressed his frustration with police last week.
"The guy turned himself in they didn't do nothing,” Derrick Galan, Rodriguez’s husband told WMAR-2 News at a vigil for his wife last week. "It's a lot of unsolved crimes here. Nothing gets done."
Harrison says the police department is getting things done, adding police are stepping up efforts to put repeat and violent offenders behind bars.
"We have increased turnaround time on misdemeanor and felony warrants. Patrol officers are doing more foot patrols and business checks,” he said.
The department also added 14 investigators to the homicide unit over the past 6 months, he said.
But, Young says he's listening to people like Rodriguez’s husband and understands why the people of Baltimore are frustrated.
"I'm adamant we must do more to bring justice to those who have been impact by the violence,” he said.
