By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
On Dec. 19, Baltimore County police recovered an AK-47 and other illegal items at a traffic stop. Police were conducting an operation in relation to the Dec. 17 mass shooting in Towson, Md. that left one dead and nine injured.
Police did not release the information about the traffic stop until Dec. 23.
“This stop resulted in the recovery of several illegal items, including a stolen vehicle, a loaded AK-47, an AK-47 magazine containing 10 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, and a ‘Glock switch,’ which, when attached, changes a semi-automatic firearm into one that is fully automatic,” said Baltimore County police officials in a media release. “Twenty-year-old Jaquan McCain is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center on multiple weapons charges, including being a minor in possession of a firearm and possession of an assault weapon.”
Three other individuals were arrested on Dec. 18 in relation to a shooting incident in Parkville, Md. near the site of the mass shooting.
Two 19-year-olds and an 18-year-old were arrested and charged with firearm related offenses.
All four arrests are believed to be unrelated to the mass shooting.
Baltimore County police believe the victims of the mass shooting were traveling in the same vehicle when the car crashed at the site of the incident in Towson. The victims were between the ages of 14 and 27.
“Around 7:15 p.m.…there were multiple callers to 911 reporting shots fired in the area of White Oak and Loch Raven Boulevard,” said Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, who led a live-streamed update of the shooting on Dec. 18. “Simultaneously, there were also calls regarding a car on fire, which resulted in the fire department’s response. Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames and several individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.”
“One person located near the vehicle was pronounced deceased on the scene,” continued McCullough. “Nine other people were located outside the vehicle, the majority suffering from gunshot wounds. All nine victims were transported to trauma centers here locally, at this time, one of the nine victims has been released.”
Police clarified the injuries of one of the victims “do not appear to be associated with the gunshot wound.” They also released the name of the deceased victim, Charles Graham Jr., 26.
“We do not believe this was a random act of violence,” said McCullough. “While the individual or individuals responsible have not been apprehended yet, we remain vigilant and additional resources have been deployed.
He assured the public that resources have been deployed, some “will be easy to spot” and “others won’t be, and that’s by design.”
McCoullogh said they could not yet confirm if the incident was gang-related.
“These acts are shocking and completely out of character for what happens and how safe we expect our communities to be in Baltimore County,” said U.S. Rep.-elect Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.-02) on Dec. 18. “The fact that it is so shocking and out of character speaks to the incredible work that people do day in and day out. It does not take away from our commitment to the sense of safety and security for our residents. I assure you again, we have all the resources in place, and we’ll be supporting our fire and police chiefs in the days ahead.”
McCullough encouraged everyone to remain vigilant.
“If you see something, please call 911,” said McCullough.