More than 200 residents gathered at the Randallstown Community Center on July 22 for a public safety town hall, pressing law enforcement and government officials for solutions to concerns they say are affecting their safety and quality of life.
The westside town hall was one of three Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier hosted around the county to hear directly from residents. On the panel were Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino. County and state officials, county staff and representatives from local police precincts took notes about residents’ concerns and so they could address issues requiring follow-up.
Following brief introductions, residents lined up at the microphones with complaints, questions and requests for updates on various matters, some of which they said they had previously raised with police or county officials. Their concerns ranged from speeding on major roads to rowdy commercial pool parties and juvenile crime, and what some described as inadequate police responses.
Public Safety Concerns
Several residents complained about unchecked speeding and exhibition driving on Liberty Road, Reisterstown Road as well as on neighborhood streets. To address the problem, McCullough said he is creating an aggressive driving team that will work with the Maryland State Police.
A resident of the Village of Deer Park described how tractor-trailers, trucks and other vehicles—including some without license plates—are parking in her Randallstown townhome community for extended periods.
Another major concern involved commercial pool parties in Westview Park, the resulted in fights, loud music and lewd behavior from guests.
McCullough provided an update on the situation. County code enforcement officials had issued a corrective notice to the event’s host, he said, while the police department and other county agencies worked together to address the problems.
“We’ve shut [the pool parties] down,” the police chief said. “And there are some other things that are in the works.”
Juvenile Justice and Youth Services
Juvenile justice was another dominant theme of the evening, with residents asking how young people involved in crime—and their parents—will be held accountable while also receiving the services and support they need. Speakers criticized “catch and release” practices and asked that repeat offenders receive stricter consequences. Both Shellenberger and McCullough urged community members to talk to their state legislators about changes needed to juvenile justice laws.
A community leader raised concerns about the impact of the closure of the Woodstock Job Corps Center and suggested that support and an alternative to residential career training and education programs be made available for young people in transition and youth in foster care.
Young people currently served by DJS tend to be older than in previous years, Tolentino explained, creating a greater need for interventions such as workforce development. She said the agency plans to work with members of the General Assembly to expand pathways and opportunities for young people. Tolentino also noted that the state’s Juvenile Justice Reform Council is examining these issues statewide.
Several community advocates highlighted programs their organizations are developing to provide opportunities for youth.
A representative of Faith Christian Fellowship Church said the church plans to open a youth center at its Randallstown location next year. The founder of Fathers Fighting 4 Fathers discussed the nonprofit’s partnership with DJS to support young people in diversion programs and help strengthen families. He said the organization has assisted 464 justice-involved youth, with only three reoffending.
Seeking Answers in an Unsolved Case
Tina Tunstalle, whose 20-year-old son, Tyler Tunstalle, was fatally shot in May 2025 in front of Lansdowne High School, wanted answers.
She questioned why no arrest has been made more than a year after her son’s death, despite having security cameras installed in the area. Tunstalle reiterated her request that the police chief allow her to view body-worn camera footage and other video police may have obtained during their investigation.
“I haven’t heard from the Police Department in nine months, but ‘you’re working on it,’” she said.
McCullough responded that the department is continuing to investigate the case and is “doing everything we can to clear it.” However, he said investigators must protect evidence while the investigation remains active.
At that point, State’s Attorney Shellenberger suggested that providing Tunstalle with certain camera footage would not compromise the investigation and urged that the police department could make the necessary arrangements. The audience applauded.
Crime and Quality of Life
One community member complained about customers of Golden Dragon Restaurant and Bar on Liberty Road occupying residential parking spaces, blocking driveways, leaving trash and becoming involved in fights and other disturbances. McCullough told the speaker that the department had shut down an “open-air drug market” in the area and referred the person to Code Enforcement for assistance with her other issues.
Another speaker reported regularly seeing people selling water and energy drinks near the Kings Park community, as well as “squeegee men” along Liberty Road, despite the activity occurring near the Randallstown police substation.
On a practical matter, a resident questioned why officers responding to calls in Randallstown arrive from the Woodlawn Precinct on Windsor Mill Road rather than from the nearby substation. McCullough explained that the Randallstown substation primarily serves as a base for community outreach officers.
Beyond Public Safety
Although public safety was the focus of the town hall, residents also used the meeting to raise broader quality-of-life concerns.
One resident lamented that some single-family homes in her Kings Park community are being sold and converted into boarding houses and assisted-living facilities. Others expressed frustration about the lack of quality businesses in Randallstown.
“What’s the status of plans to construct a recreation center and library on the site of the former Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Shoppers Food in the 8200 block of Liberty Road in Windsor Mill?” an attendee asked. The project is projected to be completed in 2029, reported Samantha O’Neil, deputy county administrative officer for health and community services.
After the meeting, Randallstown residents Willie Dash and Vernetta Wilson said they found the town hall productive.
Regarding juvenile mischief and crime, Dash expressed frustration that the county dropped plans to construct a STEAM Center for science, technology, engineering, arts and math behind the Randallstown Community Center. “That would have been a very good attraction for the kids. It could have given them something constructive to do,” he said.
More traffic enforcement is needed to address excessive speeding on Liberty Road,” Wilson said. “You don’t see a police car stopping anybody to enforce any driving laws on Liberty Road, but I see cop cars when I’m driving up to Eldersburg to do my shopping,” Wilson said.
Dash offered one suggestion to encourage community engagement: When residents raise questions at community meetings, officials should respond publicly whenever possible so everyone can hear the information.