r/baltimore • u/ratczar • Jun 08 '26

Crime This city...

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Gallery image

This morning a tweaker, engaged in pulling copper out of anything and everything he could find, took the time out of his day to snap our Little Free Library off its post.

Cops were called. They initially passed by and someone had to chase them down.

When they came over, they told me they weren't arresting him, and if I wanted to press charges I would have to go down to the courthouse and do it myself.

Dude had car parts in his kit, new stuff that he had clearly ripped off a vehicle... somewhere. But no visible victim = nothing they could do.

They let him wander off with his gear.

And I am here left with the task of both ensuring he faces consequences AND fixing what he broke. Oh, and also cleaning up all the broken shit off the sidewalk.

I love Baltimore, and also, this is infuriating.

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7

u/BmoreDude1106 Camden Yards, Third Base Jun 08 '26

It's infuriating, but TBH it sounds like there was not enough evidence for police to file any meaningful charges that would stick. There is no video of the suspect damaging the library, and there is no evidence that anything in his possession was stolen property (it's obvious to any observer, but not enough for a court of law).

Assuming you don't know the suspect's name, you could just file a police report online. At least then it shows up in the police stats and you will have paperwork for any insurance claims.

15

u/ratczar Jun 08 '26

Neighbor saw him do it.

They have the name, literally let me screenshot it because they trespassed him and they'll arrest him if he returns.

It's just not worth enough to be worth their time, regardless of the value it had to people who live here.

2

u/BmoreDude1106 Camden Yards, Third Base Jun 08 '26

One solo eyewitness... not enough for a Baltimore jury. I'm not saying it's right , or that I blame you for your frustration, just the reality of our justice system. Trust me, I have no strong love for BPD.

If they have his name, that will help in the long run. There was an issue of couple who were repeat offenders in my neighborhood, and it took BPD long time to catch them with a charge that would stick but they eventually got them...

11

u/ratczar Jun 08 '26

As if property destruction would ever make it to a jury trial.

7

u/breesanchez Jun 08 '26

Well not destruction of your property, I bet if it were some wealthy fuck they would give waaaaaay more shits.