Baltimore, MD – Baltimore police launched an investigation into an attempted armed robbery and assault that occurred at a local smoke shop late Wednesday evening, according to FOX Baltimore. The incident unfolded at the Green Jungle Smoke Shop, located in the 3900 block of Falls Cliff Road in the Woodmere neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore.
Authorities responded to the scene around 9:45 p.m. after receiving reports of an armed intrusion. Upon arrival, officers found an employee who had been assaulted during the confrontation. The victim, a 28-year-old male clerk, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including bruises and cuts to his face and arms, and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was listed in stable condition and released later that night.
According to preliminary reports, two suspects entered the store wearing dark clothing and masks, brandishing handguns. They demanded money from the register and assaulted the employee when he resisted handing over the cash. The suspects fled the scene on foot without obtaining any money, heading eastbound toward nearby residential streets. No customers were present at the time, which likely prevented further harm.
Baltimore Police Department spokesperson, Lt. Sean Hinton, stated during a brief press update Thursday morning that detectives from the Major Crimes Unit are leading the investigation. “This appears to be a targeted robbery attempt, but we are exploring all possibilities, including whether the suspects had prior knowledge of the store’s operations,” Hinton said. Surveillance footage from inside and outside the shop has been secured and is being reviewed to identify the perpetrators.
The Green Jungle Smoke Shop is a small, family-owned business that has operated in the community for over five years, offering tobacco products, vaping supplies, and accessories. The owner, who declined to be named, expressed frustration over the rising incidents of crime in the area. “We’ve had shoplifting before, but nothing like this. It’s scary for my employees,” the owner told reporters outside the store Thursday.
This event marks the latest in a series of violent crimes targeting small businesses in Baltimore over the past month. According to police data cited in the report, Northeast Baltimore has seen a 15% increase in reported robberies since the start of the year, prompting community calls for enhanced patrols. One statistical data point from the article highlights that Baltimore recorded 142 armed robberies in the third quarter of 2025, up from 120 the previous year, underscoring the ongoing challenge for law enforcement.
As an example, a similar incident occurred just two weeks prior at a convenience store two miles away, where suspects used a similar modus operandi but successfully fled with $500 in cash. That case remains unsolved, fueling concerns among local merchants about repeat offenders.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity through the Department of Transportation’s tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or online via the BPD website. A reward of up to $2,000 is available through Metro Crime Stoppers for tips leading to arrests.
The investigation is ongoing, with no suspects in custody as of Thursday afternoon. Baltimore police emphasized their commitment to community safety, stating that additional officers will be assigned to the Woodmere area in the coming days to deter further incidents.
Maryland residents and business owners are reminded to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity promptly, and consider installing advanced security measures. This case highlights the broader efforts by the Baltimore Police Department to combat urban crime through proactive policing and community partnerships.
For more information, visit FOX Baltimore.