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A Towson restaurant owner is speaking out after a harrowing encounter with a gunman outside his restaurant. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight just outside his establishment, has left the local community shaken. This shocking act of violence has also sparked concern about safety in the area, as the restaurant owner, Masud, recovers from the physical and emotional trauma of the assault.

A Sudden Encounter Turns Violent

The incident took place a week ago, in front of Masud’s restaurant located in the heart of downtown Towson. Masud was in the process of preparing food inside when he noticed two men walking toward the entrance of his restaurant. At first, he believed they were simply customers interested in the food, but he quickly realized they were not there for the meal. The situation took an unexpected turn when one of the men, after being confronted by Masud, reacted aggressively.

Masud approached the men to ask about their intentions, but one of them responded by saying, “Don’t touch me, don’t do nothing to me.” Masud then attempted to de-escalate the situation by warning the men that he would call the police if they didn’t stop. It was at this moment that the confrontation escalated further. According to Masud, the two men proceeded to urinate in the area outside the restaurant, a behavior that triggered him to take action. He filmed the incident, intending to capture evidence of the crime for future legal action. However, this decision soon led to a physical altercation.

The Assault and Threatening Behavior

As Masud continued recording, one of the men punched him in the face without warning. The impact was swift, and the situation rapidly turned violent. The second man then joined in, escalating the attack. Masud, left with no choice, attempted to defend himself, but the situation became life-threatening. As he fought off the attackers, the man who had initially struck him pulled out a gun and threatened Masud, saying, “Do you want one?” The threat of a gun in such a volatile situation forced Masud to flee in an effort to protect his life.

As Masud managed to break free and run away from the attackers, he was left with visible injuries, including a busted lip and bruises all over his body. He recalled feeling a mix of disbelief and fear as he processed what had just happened. “It was just such a shocking moment,” he said. “Honestly, I didn’t know whether to attack him or just run backward or forward.” The trauma of being assaulted in such a brutal and public manner left Masud with not only physical injuries but also a sense of fear and vulnerability.

Rising Crime in Towson: A Community in Crisis

This violent encounter is just the latest in a series of crimes that have rattled the Towson area in recent months. According to local police data, there have been 360 assaults reported near Masud’s restaurant, along with 23 handgun violations. The Towson community, once considered a relatively safe part of Baltimore County, has seen a troubling uptick in criminal activity.

One of the most alarming trends is the increasing number of violent robberies and assaults near the Towson Town Center. Just the day after Masud’s assault, there was a reported robbery near the Town Center. This follows a pattern of rising crime that has plagued the area for some time. In particular, there have been several reported incidents of armed robberies, with suspects using handguns to threaten victims. The fear of crime has prompted some local business owners to consider closing their doors altogether, as they grapple with the rising risks to their safety and livelihood.

A local convenience store owner, for example, expressed frustration with the ongoing criminal activity. “It’s just not about money; it’s about safety,” they said, acknowledging the difficulty of continuing business under such dangerous circumstances. In fact, this particular business owner had seen four to five incidents of theft and violence in the past few months, leading them to consider shutting down operations for good. Such sentiments reflect a broader concern among business owners and residents, many of whom feel increasingly unsafe in what was once considered a bustling, secure area.

The Call for Justice

As Baltimore County Police continue their investigation into the assault, Masud remains hopeful that justice will be served. He is not only seeking justice for himself but also for his community, which has been affected by this rise in crime. The surveillance video from outside his restaurant, which captures the moment of the assault, has become a critical piece of evidence in the case. While the two suspects are still at large, Masud remains determined to see them held accountable for their actions.

While recovering from his injuries, Masud has used his platform to speak out about the dangers of carrying weapons in public. He stressed that those who carry guns are often looking for trouble, and the impact of such violent confrontations can have devastating consequences. For Masud, the ordeal serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety and community solidarity.

As the investigation continues and police work to locate the suspects, the Towson community is left to reckon with the increasing violence that has touched its streets. For local residents and business owners, the question remains: how can they ensure their safety in an environment where crime is on the rise?