The following article was submitted by the Office of Councilman David Marks about the Police and Community Relations Council (PCRC) meeting addressing this past weekend’s incident at White Marsh Mall.
On Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 a monthly meeting of the Police and Community Relations Council (PCRC) was attended by over 100 community members in response to an incident at White Marsh Mall and The Avenue on Saturday, March 7.
During this meeting, l representatives from the Baltimore County Police Department as well as State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger and County Councilman for District 5 David Marks, discussed the events of March 7th as well as the police preparation and response.
Community members in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions and were encouraged to offer ideas for solutions.
What Happened
BCPD received advance intelligence of a planned “link-up” at White Marsh Mall for the afternoon of March 7. Officers coordinated with mall and Avenue management to increase security presence, and officers were pre-positioned around the parking lot with a clear directive: monitor, de-escalate, and disperse.
As the afternoon progressed, the situation intensified with the last reported incident at approximately 9:30-9:45 p.m. No officers were injured in the incidents.
The Plan Moving Forward
BCPD identified several factors enabling these gatherings, namely social media, warmer weather, and the availability of rideshare apps for transportation. BCPD and Councilman Marks have identified that the individuals came from areas like Edgewood, Towson, Rosedale, and beyond, which demonstrates the wide reach the social media coordination had.
The mitigation plan moving forward contains multiple facets: legislative action, police strategy, and community involvement.
BCPD also shared that they have developed multiple tactical strategies aimed at mitigating future events, from continuing to monitor social media that allows for the rapid and large-scale coordination, the creation of rideshare pick-up points to reduce crowds while rideshare drivers attempt to find their fares, and expanding the use of area cameras as well as BCPD’s own drone program to monitor the area and aid in response.
BCPD has also shared that they have multiple tactical strategies they may deploy that are being held within the department. Active investigations are underway to find the organizers of the event(s) as well as the additional individuals involved in criminal activity.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and White Marsh Mall and The Avenue are important community and commerce centers of the area.
This is not an event that is being taken lightly by anyone in BCPD or Councilman Marks’ office, and State’s Attorney Shellenberger is also working to identify individuals involved and explore how the State’s Attorney office can move forward with charges, if appropriate.
Councilman Marks shared that multiple areas of land have been downzoned to reduce overdevelopment in the area, including a 320-unit development in the White Marsh precinct’s jurisdsiction.
He remains committed to managing development in the area to prevent the strain on BCPD and other resources.
How You Can Help Report Criminal Activity
Police need to know about crimes, even those that seem minor, in order to accurately assess the situation and allocate resources. If you have information about the March 7 assaults or any upcoming gatherings, please contact the White Marsh Precinct at 410-887-5000.
Contact Your State Legislators
Two pieces of proposed legislation could significantly affect the community.
• SB0323 – Juvenile Justice Reform Act: Currently in the Senate, this bill would require all juvenile cases to begin in juvenile court and make it harder to try juveniles as adults. Contact your State Senator and Representative to share your views. Learn more: mgaleg.maryland.gov
• HB0778 – Middle Housing Options: Currently in the House, this bill would require counties to evaluate commercial and industrial land for potential housing development. Previously Councilman Marks has noted that a bill was passed to reject 320 apartments in the vicinity; this legislation would limit the Baltimore County Council’s ability to do this in the future. Learn more: mgaleg.maryland.gov
Contact your state legislators regarding these pieces of proposed legislation as well as informing them of your concerns and encouraging them to consider legislation that can help reduce or mitigate incidents like these.
Stay Connected
• Follow BCPD on Facebook for updates: facebook.com/BaltCoPolice
• Visit BCPD online: baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police
• Join the Police and Community Relations Council (PCRC). Attend meetings and stay engaged: facebook.com/PCRCPrecinct9
