A normally peaceful community in northwest Baltimore was rocked by a brazen crime spree early Tuesday morning. The Baltimore County Police Department is investigating a series of armed robberies and carjacking attempts that occurred on Pebble Brooke Road near the Kehillas Meor HaTorah synagogue.
Resident Elliott Klein witnessed part of the chaos unfold as he returned home around 7am from morning prayers. “I saw some things that didn’t make sense for a random Tuesday morning. I passed the getaway car,” he recounted. “This is a quiet neighborhood that has been safe until now. As a parent, it’s frightening and scary to know people were out committing crimes so early when others are walking, jogging, or going to synagogue.”
The dramatic chain of events began when the suspects allegedly stole a Mitsubishi Outlander from a resident’s driveway just streets away. “I came out and my car was gone,” said victim Josh Anisfeld. “It turns out they stole it, drove around the block, and used it in these heists.”
Exclusive video shows the stolen Outlander pulling up to a man walking to synagogue, with armed individuals jumping out and chasing him down the street to rob his wallet at gunpoint. Simultaneously, the suspects attempted to carjack another vehicle nearby, prompting the driver to throw his keys to thwart the theft.
Within minutes, the criminals abandoned both stolen vehicles and fled in their original getaway car. Neighbors who witnessed the terrifying ordeal were left badly shaken. “Everyone in the neighborhood is shaken up,” Klein said.
As lawmakers grapple with Baltimore’s vehicle theft crisis, Anisfeld urged putting greater emphasis on supporting victims. “We are dealing with laws that very often feel like they go against the victim. We wish lawmakers would put heavier consideration on the victim’s side.”
Police are urgently seeking any information from the public on these brazen crimes. Tipsters can call detectives at (410) 307-2020 or remain anonymous.