32-Year-Old Man Shot At Indoor Trampoline Park In Timonium Dies
Suspect Detained for Questioning Knew Victim, Police Say
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By Gary Gately
A32-year-old man shot multiple times Saturday night at a popular indoor trampoline park in Timonium has died, police said.
The victim had been flown to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center after suffering gunshot wounds to his torso just before 7 p.m. at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park at 23 West Aylesbury Road, Baltimore County Police said Sunday.
A suspect, who knew the victim, has been taken into custody for questioning, police said.
Detective Anthony Shelton told The Baltimore Observer that police would release the identities of the victim and suspect later today or tomorrow.
Witnesses said the gunmen fired at least six shots, turning joyful celebrations into a scene of terror as squealing children ran for cover. Thousands of children and their parents celebrate birthdays and other occasions each year at the trampoline park.
Police did not say how many shots were fired, but two witnesses, one of them a Sky Zone employee, said they heard at least six shots.
The shooting sent dozens of terrified children and parents scurrying.
“Everybody was having such a blast, and then we heard the gunshots and it was scary as hell,” said Charles Walkerson, a 37-year-old father whose son, Jonathan, had been celebrating his 10th birthday with friends at Sky Zone Saturday night. “Everybody just started screaming and running.”
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski tweeted Sunday:
This incident of gun violence is shocking, horrifying, and simply has no place in our community. We are thankful that no children were injured in this shameful act of cowardice. I thank the @BaltCoPolice for their swift response and for quickly detaining a suspect in this case. https://t.co/2YVCtrqQiB
— County Executive Johnny Olszewski (@BaltCoExec) August 13, 2023
No children were injured, police said, and all children have been reunited with their families.
“This is not something that usually happens here,” Detective Shelton told reporters Saturday night, calling the shooting an “isolated incident and reassuring residents that there’s no remaining danger to the community.
The BCPD’s Violent Crime Unit was investigating, Shelton said.
“Everybody was having such a blast, and then we heard the gunshots and it was scary as hell. Everybody just started screaming and running.” — Charles Walkerson, who had been celebrating his son’s 10th birthday at Sky Zone when the shooting occurred
The gunman fled the building after the shooting, but police located and detained him later for questioning. He had not been charged, police said.
Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.
The BCPD’s Violent Crime Unit was investigating, Shelton said.
Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information into this incident to contact 410-307-2020. Information may also be provided through the Baltimore County Police Department iWATCH program. Callers may remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.
Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland, which offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses, asks anyone with information to call 1-866-756-2587 (1-866-LOCKUP) or provide anonymous tips on its website or through its mobile app,
Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, online or via mobile app. P3TIPS
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Please allow me to introduce myself: Gary Gately, editor and founder, The Baltimore Observer
If you spot any errors, want to share news tips, pitch story ideas or submit a first-person piece, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks again for reading, and enjoy your Sunday. Gary Gately, Editor, The Baltimore Observer, garymichaelgately@gmail.com, 410-382-4364.