Baltimore, MD — During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, senseless violence has continued to increase in Baltimore, Maryland. Mayor Jack Young is appealing to the residents to stop the mass shootings so local hospital can be better used to treat those infected with COVID-19 instead of the victims of crime.To date, the city of Baltimore has 8 confirmed cases, but the city has also seen an increase in violent crimes. Last Tuesday, seven people were shot in the Madison Park neighborhood and all were taken to local hospitals.
Young urged people to stop the violence because “we cannot clog up our hospitals and their beds with people that are being shot senselessly because we’re going to need those beds for people infected with the coronavirus. And it could be your mother, your grandmother or one of your relatives. So take that into consideration,” Young told CBS News.
Commissioner Michael Harrison said the incident that happened on Tuesday is still being investigated. A city officer reportedly chased the alleged suspect in the shooting as he was fleeing the scene.
The officer tried to shoot the suspect, but it has yet been known if the suspect was struck. The officer, however, sustained some minor injuries.
The police department said they are increasing their visibility in the areas where the crime has increased.
“For those of you who want to continue to shoot and kill people of this city, we’re not going to tolerate it,” Young said. “We’re going to come after you and we’re going to get you.”