Baltimore Police are looking into a series of break-ins in the Butchers Hill neighborhood, including incidents at the La Barrita, Taqueria El Sabor del Parque, and Bmore Licks restaurants. These events, part of an alarming rise in citywide burglaries and robberies, were reported on Thursday near Patterson Park and around Eastern Avenue and North Chester Street, according to FOX Baltimore.
The owner of La Barrita, Sebastian Cardona, recounted how suspects wielding hammers and bolt cutters broke into his establishment around 3 a.m., causing extensive damage. They left with a small amount of cash and various items. "I am very sad because it cost a lot of money and time, but I am happy no one got hurt," Cardona told FOX Baltimore. In a surveillance video, six individuals can be seen forcefully entering the restaurant.
Baltimore crime data points to more than 2,100 burglaries and robberies so far in 2025, with 187 of these targeting businesses, as highlighted by CBS News Baltimore. Community activist Arch McKown expressed that these attacks felt violating, particularly because they affected family-owned restaurants. McKown also criticized the Department of Juvenile Services for not holding young offenders accountable, suggesting the need for broader reforms.
In light of these recurring incidents involving young adult or teen suspects, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates shared his new approach. "We have to change the system so it works properly," Bates stated, emphasizing the need for the system to properly address juvenile crime. His plans for tackling youth violence include a new prosecution diversion program, which hinges on collaboration with various city departments and the Department of Juvenile Services. This information was provided by CBS News Baltimore.
Further frustration was aired by community members regarding the Department of Juvenile Services' alleged lax approach. Arch McKown suggested in a statement obtained by FOX Baltimore that Governor Moore should remove Vincent Schiraldi, head of DJS, asserting that his policies have compromised public safety.
