Baltimore Daily: Mondawmin Shooting, Woodlawn Fire, DHS Oversight Heat Up
Baltimore, MD – February 18, 2026 – Police probe a deadly Mondawmin shootout, firefighters recover after a Woodlawn blaze, and state lawmakers press DHS.
Baltimore Daily Briefing
Deadly shootout outside Mondawmin Mall
Police are investigating a violent shootout and crash near Mondawmin Mall that left one man dead and three others injured Monday night. Investigators say two vehicles collided in the parking area off Liberty Heights Avenue, where multiple shell casings, several guns and scattered cash were recovered.
Officers found three men with gunshot wounds in and around the mall area, and a fourth man was pronounced dead at the scene. Early indications from city police describe the incident as a targeted shooting rather than a random attack. Detectives are reviewing security video and asking anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together what led to the exchange of gunfire.
City leaders stressed that illegal guns and long‑running conflicts continue to fuel incidents like this, even as overall homicides have declined compared with previous years. The area around the mall saw road closures and a large police presence for hours as the crime scene stretched across several blocks.
Three firefighters hurt in Woodlawn apartment fire
In Woodlawn, three Baltimore County firefighters are recovering after being injured while battling an apartment fire on Monica Place. Crews were called to a second‑floor kitchen fire Monday afternoon and encountered heavy smoke as they worked to rescue residents and contain the blaze.
The fire was brought under control within about half an hour, but three firefighters were taken to a hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. Several residents were displaced, and emergency officials say the American Red Cross is helping families with temporary housing and basic needs while investigators determine the cause of the fire.
Shots reported at vehicle on I‑95 in city
State transportation police are also investigating a suspected shooting at a vehicle traveling northbound on I‑95 near the Hanover Street exit in Baltimore. A driver reported that someone in another vehicle fired at their car late Sunday morning. No injuries were reported, but investigators are asking witnesses to contact them with any information or dash‑camera video from the area.
Maryland DHS faces tough questions in Annapolis
At the state level, Maryland lawmakers are scrutinizing the Department of Human Services, which is headquartered in Baltimore, over both its care of foster children and its financial record‑keeping. A recent legislative review found serious gaps in how the agency tracks tens of millions of dollars in federal funds.
The department’s secretary has announced plans to step down, citing health reasons, and is expected to appear before a House budget subcommittee this week. Legislators say they want clearer answers on spending, data quality and oversight before moving ahead with the next state budget cycle.
Sources
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/4-people-shot-near-baltimores-mondawmin-mall-police-say/
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/multiple-people-shot-liberty-heights-avenue-police-say/70386845
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/3-firefighters-injured-woodlawn-apartment-fire-monica-place/70384261
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/maryland-dhs-scrutinized-lawmakers-failing-100400109.html
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