In response to a series of violent incidents involving teenagers, Howard County has launched a permanent, around-the-clock police presence in Downtown Columbia, focusing on The Mall in Columbia, the Merriweather District, and the Lakefront.
The initiative follows two high-profile shootings in 2024 and early 2025. In February, a double shooting near the mall left 16-year-old Michael Robertson dead at the scene and 15-year-old Blake McCray critically injured; he later succumbed to his injuries. An 18-year-old suspect, Emmetson Zeah, was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection to the incident.
In July 2024, 17-year-old Angelo Little was shot and killed inside the mall’s food court. The suspect, 17-year-old William Thomas Marshall III, remains at large.
To address these concerns, Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has established a full-time satellite office inside the mall and assigned a dedicated patrol unit to the area, operating 24 hours a day. Officers are conducting foot patrols, utilizing mountain bikes, ATVs, and patrol cars to increase visibility and deter crime.
Since the implementation of the Crime Reduction Plan in February, HCPD reports no new gun-related incidents in the area. The increased police presence has also led to arrests for trespassing and theft, and officers have addressed quality-of-life issues such as disorderly conduct and noise complaints.
In addition to enforcement, HCPD is focusing on proactive strategies to prevent serious crimes, especially involving repeat offenders. The department has partnered with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to attend prescheduled events and establish monthly small group discussions between officers and juveniles throughout the county.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “We continue to work closely with HCPD and other stakeholders to take steps toward implementing strong measures to deter and combat crime in our community, as any act of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the increased police presence. Some feel reassured, while others are concerned about the potential for over-policing. HCPD aims to balance enforcement with community engagement to ensure safety for all.
