BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Police Department announced the arrests of 16 juveniles over the weekend, including three who are being charged as adults, in a series of incidents that highlight ongoing concerns over youth crime.
The arrests occurred between April 25 and April 27, 2025, and involved suspects ranging in age from 13 to 17. According to police, 11 of the 16 juveniles had prior arrest records, with two youths having been arrested more than nine times each.
Key Points
- Baltimore Police arrested 16 juveniles over the weekend of April 25–27.
- Three juveniles are being charged as adults; most arrested had prior offenses.
- Police Commissioner Richard Worley emphasized the need for community-wide solutions.
“It is incredibly frustrating to see young people involved in violent crime across our city,” Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. He stressed that while law enforcement continues to work daily to protect communities, broader cooperation and systemic changes are necessary to address the root causes.
Worley noted the challenges officers face when dealing with repeat juvenile offenders and emphasized that “real, lasting change” requires coordinated efforts from families, schools, community leaders, and the justice system.
Repeat offenders remain a major challenge
The department did not release specific details about the crimes involved or the identities of the arrested juveniles, citing privacy and ongoing investigations. However, officials confirmed that violent crimes were among the offenses reported over the weekend.
The arrests have reignited discussions in Baltimore about youth violence and the effectiveness of current intervention programs aimed at preventing juvenile crime.
Community leaders and local officials are being urged to collaborate on solutions that include accountability, early intervention strategies, and supportive services to steer youth away from criminal behavior.
Calls for systemic reform grow louder
Commissioner Worley warned that “we cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” calling for comprehensive approaches that address the underlying issues faced by young people in the city.
The Baltimore Police Department said it would continue to prioritize enforcement efforts while also supporting community programs designed to reduce recidivism among juvenile offenders.
The cases involving the three juveniles charged as adults will proceed through the adult criminal justice system, police said.