What began as a peaceful summer evening in Baltimore’s Park Heights neighborhood ended in horror as gunfire shattered the calm, leaving one man dead and five others injured, including a 5-year-old girl.
Around 8:45 p.m., residents of Queensberry Avenue were enjoying a casual porch gathering—sharing food, laughter, and the warmth of community—when the unthinkable happened. A hail of bullets tore through the group, sending neighbors scrambling and sirens screaming through the night.
**The Victims
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed that six people were shot in the incident:
– **Jerome Michael Coateson**, 38, was critically wounded and later died at the hospital early Sunday morning.
– A **5-year-old girl** was shot in the hand. Thankfully, her injuries are not life-threatening.
– A **23-year-old woman**, a **32-year-old man**, a **33-year-old man**, and a **52-year-old man** were also wounded. All are expected to survive.
Witnesses described the scene as surreal. “It sounded like neighbor recounted. “I saw flashing lights and blood on the sidewalk. It was terrifying.”
**Investigation Underway
Police believe the shooting was **targeted**, though the motive remains unclear. Detectives are actively interviewing victims and witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the attack. No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made.
The Baltimore City Fire Department and EMS responded swiftly, aiding victims and securing the area. Evidence markers littered the street as investigators combed the scene for clues.
**Community Response
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, himself a Park Heights native, expressed deep sorrow:
> “It is especially painful that young people in my neighborhood continue to experience the same traumatic violence that I did decades ago. My heart is with the victims, their families, and the entire community.”
His office has activated a **Coordinated Neighborhood Stabilization Response**, aiming to support residents and prevent further violence.
**Reward Offered
In a bid to bring justice, **Metro Crime Stoppers** is offering an **$8,000 reward** for information leading to an arrest. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling **1-866-7LOCKUP** or submitting tips online.
️ **A City in Mourning
As Baltimore grapples with yet another act of senseless violence, the Park Heights community is left to mourn, heal, and hope for answers. What was meant to be a simple evening of food and fellowship has become a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence in America’s cities.
The porch where neighbors once gathered now stands silent—a symbol of lives interrupted and a community shaken.
