Julian Macias, owner of La Joya Morelense convenience store in Upper Fells Point, Baltimore, recently found himself at the center of a violent incident that began as an attempted petty theft. Surveillance footage captured two young individuals allegedly attempting to steal pre-packaged ice cream cones from his store.

When Macias confronted the suspects, the situation quickly escalated. He claims he was attacked by a group of about a dozen teens outside his store. “They start grabbing whatever they see in the street and throw it at me, trying to hit me,” Macias recounted. He suffered scratches, bruises, and a head injury during the assault.

This incident is part of a troubling trend of youth-involved crimes in Baltimore. Just days earlier and a few blocks away, a 66-year-old man named Bernie was the victim of an armed assault and robbery, allegedly committed by teens aged 18 and 15. In another recent case, a group of teenagers, including three 14-year-old girls, were arrested for robbing multiple stores along Eastern Avenue, but were subsequently released to their parents.

These events have sparked a debate about accountability and consequences for young offenders. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley has called for stricter measures, stating, “More must be done to address the ongoing challenges of crimes being committed by young people and the lack of consequences and accountability.”

Victims like Macias and Bernie are echoing this sentiment, expressing frustration with what they perceive as a lack of deterrents for young offenders. “Just get in and get whatever you want without consequences. That’s not right,” said Macias, while Bernie urged for swift legal reforms.

Credit Fox 45