A 19-year-old squeegee worker in Baltimore was shot while working at a busy intersection on Thursday evening. The victim, Amar Gibbs, who has been cleaning car windows at the same location for several years, was wounded after an encounter with a motorist that quickly escalated. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal squeegeeing activities in Baltimore, which has led to tensions between the workers and the public.
The Incident at MLK Boulevard and West Franklin Street
The shooting occurred at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK) and West Franklin Street, an area known for squeegee workers, or “squeegee kids,” who clean car windows in exchange for tips. Despite the activity being illegal in Baltimore City, many young people continue to work these intersections. On Friday afternoon, just hours after the shooting, the scene was described as “business as usual,” with squeegee workers continuing their daily tasks at the intersection. However, the events from the previous night left one worker in critical condition.
What Happened During the Shooting?
According to Gibbs, the incident began when he approached a motorist’s vehicle to offer to clean the windows. He described the encounter as initially routine, stating that he informed the driver that he understood if they didn’t want their windows cleaned. At this point, the situation took a sudden turn. The motorist allegedly accused Gibbs of disrespecting him, a claim that caught Gibbs off-guard. As he walked away from the vehicle and toward another car, gunshots rang out. Gibbs was struck by two bullets: one that pierced his back and another that hit his shoulder.
Victim’s Account from Hospital Bed
Speaking from his hospital bed at Shock Trauma, Gibbs recounted the terrifying moment when he was shot. He shared that he felt confused by the motorist’s actions, particularly because he believed he had been respectful throughout the interaction. Gibbs suspects that the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity, as he had heard earlier in the day that someone who looked like him had caused trouble in the area. Despite the severity of his injuries, he expressed relief at having survived, stating, “My body hurts right now, but I’m blessed. I woke up this morning.”
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reactions
Baltimore police responded to the shooting shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Thursday night, discovering that Gibbs had been transported to the hospital by someone following the attack. Authorities are now actively investigating the case and have asked for the public’s help in identifying the shooter. People with information are encouraged to contact Metro Crim Stoppers, where they can remain anonymous if desired.
Meanwhile, the intersection where the shooting took place remains a hotbed of activity for squeegee workers, despite its notorious reputation. On Friday, police briefly cleared the area, instructing workers to leave. However, it is likely that they will return soon, as many see this work as their primary source of income.
The Broader Issue of Squeegeeing in Baltimore
This shooting is not an isolated incident in Baltimore. The presence of squeegee workers at busy intersections has been a contentious issue for years, drawing complaints from motorists and concern from city officials. Despite ongoing efforts to curb the activity, including city-wide initiatives aimed at helping squeegee workers find alternative employment, the problem persists.
For many young people like Gibbs, squeegeeing represents one of the few ways to earn money in a city plagued by high unemployment and limited opportunities for youth. However, the work is fraught with risk, not just from law enforcement but from encounters with frustrated or angry drivers.
Amar Gibbs’ Future and Baltimore’s Challenges
As Gibbs recovers from his injuries, the question remains whether incidents like this will spur change in how the city handles squeegeeing. Gibbs, who began working as a squeegee kid at the age of 15, has expressed a desire for the violence to stop, yet his shooting underscores the dangers inherent in this informal economy. The city of Baltimore faces a difficult challenge: addressing the needs of its vulnerable youth population while ensuring public safety on its streets.
For now, Gibbs remains in the hospital, hopeful for his recovery and grateful to have survived the violent encounter. Police continue to search for the suspect, and the city remains on edge as the debate over squeegeeing—and the tensions it creates—continues.
