BPD confirms no ShotSpotter alert issued for mass shooting, investigation ongoing

WBFF (Baltimore, MD) — FOX45 News asks questions after dispatch audio showed the city's ShotSpotter technology did not produce any sound during Sunday's mass shooting in East Baltimore.

Officers responded to multiple reports of a shooting in the area of ​​North Spring Street in the Oliver neighborhood on August 18 shortly after 8 p.m.

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From parts of the audio recording of the emergency call, police officers can be heard searching for victims.

Officer: “What is the number of victims, since everyone keeps giving different locations.”

Officer: “I think we’re at 5-6.”

Officer: “Did it happen somewhere inside, because there is no gun guard.”

Policeman: “At the basketball court.”

When asked, BPD confirmed that no ShotSpotter alert was actually issued.

ShotSpotter technology includes sensors that detect gunshots and then alert officers to the location.

ALSO READ | Will ShotSpotter technology stay in Baltimore?

The goal is to improve and speed up the department's response to violence rather than relying on someone to call 911.

A spokesperson told FOX45 News in a statement that the department is currently investigating whether there should have been a warning and whether the weather may have played a role.

On the evening of the mass shooting, rain and storms hit the area.

36-year-old Anthony Martin was killed in the mass shooting and seven other people were injured.

According to BPD, the shooting occurred during a gathering.

Neighbors said a problematic biker club was involved in the gathering.

The BPD says the case is currently under investigation, but a motive has not yet been confirmed.

No arrests were made.

According to BPD, the investigation is still ongoing.