Annapolis Shooting: 2 Kids Shot, Another Hurt In Robinwood Area

Annapolis MD

22 February, 2022

4:14 PM

Description

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Police announced that two children were shot Monday evening in Annapolis. Medics flew both victims to unnamed hospitals. Mayor Gavin Buckley said one victim, a 15-year-old boy, was paralyzed. He is still in the hospital in stable condition. Officers said doctors released the other victim, an 11-year-old girl. Another minor got hurt while she was running away. The 15-year-old girl was not shot, however. Authorities said doctors treated and released her from the hospital. "This is a community that cares," Buckley said at a Tuesday press conference. "This is a community that's in shock." How It Happened The shooting happened around 7 p.m. in the 1300 block of Tyler Avenue. Police said the bullets hit the children while they were playing outside with other people around. Officers think the shots were intended for somebody else. They don't think the shooting was gang-related either. "What happened to the code where we don't harm women and children?" said Joshua Hatch, the public safety committee chairman for the Caucus of African-American Leaders. "What happened to the code where we say that children are off-limits?" The unknown shooter or shooters walked into the neighborhood from a wooded area before firing the shots, authorities said. They then fled on foot. Police said a home was also hit by a bullet. Nobody inside was hurt. Police And Public Housing The assault took place in the Robinwood community. This is a public complex operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis. "It is particularly troubling that it is not the first time that this has happened in our communities," said Melissa Maddox Evans, the executive director and the CEO of the housing authority. "It is not right to have to live somewhere and fear that your child can't play outside for fear of being shot at or that you can't sit in a bedroom or a living room and not fear a random bullet coming through your house." Evans mentioned that the housing authority lets the Annapolis Police Department use two of its units 24/7 for emergency assistance. Those properties are located in Robinwood and Harbor House, another public housing complex in the city. Authorities said nobody was in the Robinwood unit at the time of the shooting. The agency prefers its officers to be on patrol, interacting with residents when possible. Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson said he is looking for creative ways to use those units in the future. Community Policing Jackson reassured that he is dedicated to community policing. The chief believes he can proactively battle violence by establishing connections and trust with residents. "It doesn't mean that we are being soft on crime," Jackson said. "I hate trigger pullers. I think they are cowards in the sense that they can't face their own issues or have the courage to ask for help." The police chief additionally urged families, schools and churches to instill peaceful virtues in the city's youth. He thinks strong values can prevent kids from entering the legal system down the road. Jackson drove home that point by speaking alongside some of Anne Arundel County's most prominent religious figures. "I don't care if you're Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Jewish, Jehova's Witness, Nation of Islam, it does not matter, we have got to work together," said Pastor Sheryl Menendez of Glen Burnie's Light of the World Family Ministries. "Is anybody sick of this? Is anybody really tired?" Next Steps For Investigation The Annapolis Police Department did not name any suspects. Detectives are still investigating. The chief said he will personally reach out to the FBI about this shooting. Lisa Rodvien, the District 6 County Council member who represents Annapolis, warned the shooter(s) that they won't be able to hide from the law. "You are lucky that the young people survived," the County Council chair said. "Do the right thing now, and turn yourself in because I know this police department, and they will find you." The Annapolis Police Department asked anybody with information to call its detectives at 410-260-3439. Tipsters can stay anonymous by contacting the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland at 1-866-7LOCKUP, on metrocrimestoppers.org or through the P3 Tips mobile application. Metro Crime Stoppers offered a cash reward of up to $2,000 for details that lead to an arrest or an indictment. "I'm not disparaging when it happens to adults, but children, children are suffering," said Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles, the chair of the city's public safety committee. "We must do something because doing nothing will continue all of this." Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County news.