5 Hospitalized in Latest Penn North Overdose, BPD Confirms
It happened again.
Just over a week after a mass overdose at Penn North left 27 people hospitalized, Baltimore police confirmed five more overdoses on Friday with two of those individuals in serious condition. While not deemed critical, it was another jarring reminder that this crisis is far from over.
This time, the scene was different.
Police were already there, alongside city outreach teams, offering resources and hosting a community walk meant to bring healing. Tents lined the sidewalks. Flyers in hand. Boots on the ground. A true all-hands effort to interrupt the cycle. But even amid that positive energy, the crisis cut through.
More About What Happened
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley gave a sobering update: “Several of our officers administered Narcan on the scene. We’ve had officers working that area nonstop, trying to identify not just buyers and sellers, but those responsible for bringing this poison into our neighborhoods.”
Five people were transported to local hospitals. Two others refused treatment. According to Fire Chief James Wallace, “None of them are critical, but the five who went to the hospital are considered serious.”
This all took place in the same corridor rocked by the previous week’s mass overdose. Investigators say that effort is still ongoing and now runs parallel with the investigation into Friday’s incidents. They’re treating it like a two-track operation. While police continue their search for those responsible, the outreach teams remain grounded in care.
“We’re trying to spread the word about resources. That’s the biggest issue, people just don’t know where to go,” said nurse Natalie Vasquez, who’s been working in the area since the crisis intensified.
The effort isn’t going unnoticed.
“You got a lot of people in the city that need help,” said Tyrone Wiley, a resident of the area. “Mental illness is real.”
Others echoed his sentiments.
“They’re really helping people out here. People been through stuff. They just want the pain to go away but they need real, professional help,” said Danieo Tillery.
Franklin Crockett added: “It’s a great effort. But it’s been rough around here for years. This is one of the biggest open-air drug markets in the city.”
Despite the trauma, city leadership remains firm.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “BPD is working to determine the source of the drugs. When, not if, we find the people responsible, they will be removed from the streets of Baltimore. As Penn North continues to deal with the pain of the opioid epidemic, we’ll continue to show up and provide support.”
Police say their lab has identified some of the material behind last week’s mass overdose, but for now, they’re holding those details close to protect the integrity of the investigation.
One thing’s for sure, Baltimore is still hurting but Baltimore is still showing up.
5 Hospitalized in Latest Penn North Overdose, BPD Confirms was originally published on 92q.com
