SUN INVESTIGATES Lawsuit looks at riot’s damage

Business owners discuss what they went through in action against city

A West Baltimore liquor store owner was beaten and robbed of his wallet and car keys, which were used to steal his car and drive it from the business to his home about 30 minutes away, as dozens of other businesses were looted during the April 2015 rioting, he says in a federal lawsuit filed last week against the city by about 60 business owners.

The liquor store owner’s account was among those of many property owners and store employees included in a 700-page complaint filed last week in federal court. The unrest broke out April 27, the day of the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died from injuries he received in police custody, and continued into the next morning.

The plaintiffs are bringing a claim against the city for property damage, naming the former mayor, former police chief, city council, city police, state and current mayor as defendants.

A lawyer listed for the city in court records, former police commissioner Anthony Batts and a spokesman for Mayor Catherine Pugh did not respond to requests for comment. Former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake declined to comment.

Here are some of the accounts from business and building owners who are included in the lawsuit:

Uptown Liquors, 2115 W. North Avenue: The owner and his daughter witnessed rioting nearby and called police, who suggested the owner lock up the business and stay inside. Rioters broke through the security doors, assaulting the owner and daughter. Both were hospitalized. Rioters stole the owner’s keys and wallet and drove his car to his home in Joppa, where they were scared off by a family dog. The business was closed through July 31, 2015.

Ebony Towne Store, 1801 W. North Ave.: Employees tried to close the store at 3:30 p.m. on April 27, but rioters prevented them from shutting a steel security door. Rioters forced their way inside, assaulting two employees. After an initial wave of looting stopped, the employees were able to secure the steel door. Rioters later tore the door down, leading to more looting and assaults on the employees until police arrived. The building was set on fire, and the business has closed permanently.

Fireside North Liquors, 2201 W. North Ave.: “Approximately 50 rioters attempted to force their way into the business,” using crowbars and pipes to force open the front entry. An owner was robbed and assaulted, causing extensive injuries — including facial fractures. Fires were set to the business, and the building was later condemned.

More than 380 businesses, including many located south of North Avenue in West Baltimore, were damaged or destroyed during the rioting.