Police: Towson Disturbances Part of Growing Pains

A crowd that reportedly turned violent toward a police officer outside the Towson Town Center has sparked a Baltimore County councilman to call for a curfew at the mall and for increased police presence in Towson overall.

Police report that the department has increased its presence in the area and will continue addressing challenges posed by the area’s growth.

RELATED: Officer Hit by Rock Outside Towson Mall

“It is time to revisit the curfew policy at the mall and greatly increase the police presence in Downtown Towson, period,” Councilman David Marks said after Saturday night’s disturbance.

Police said patrols have increased in Towson, in a statement issued to Patch on Tuesday.

“We have increased law enforcement in the Towson in the last few years,” Corporal John Wachter of the Baltimore County Police Department told Patch. “This is due to the increasing student population, permanent population and more businesses coming to the Towson area.”

Anticipating the increased foot traffic, Baltimore County upgraded the streetlights and sidewalks in downtown Towson to coincide with the summer 2014 opening of Towson Square, an entertainment complex that includes the Cinemark movie theater, and created a new police post downtown.

RELATED: County Adds 5 Officers to New Towson Entertainment Post

“Towson is growing and becoming a more popular place to go,” Wachter said.

“There are challenges that come with this growth that includes the potential for disturbances,” Wachter continued. “We are ready for the challenges that face us now and in the future. We will not tolerate any kind of criminal activity.”

• Towson Under ’Heightened State of Scrutiny’: Marks
• Downtown Towson Growth Spurs Enhanced Police Presence