Robin Godwin: Baltimore Police Issue Warrant for One Suspect In Tuesday Morning Locust Point Homicide

On Tuesday morning at approximately 1:15am, Locust Point resident and The Rowhouse Grille employee Alexander Wroblewski was shot during a robbery on the 400 block of Lawrence St. in Locust Point as he was leaving the Royal Farms on foot. He was transported to Shock Trauma where he died from his injuries.

Today, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) issued a warrant for 37-year-old female Tanya Arnita Hayes, who has been identified as the driver of the gray Chevy Cruz that followed Wroblewski from the Royal Farms and that was used as the getaway car after the robbery and homicide. According to BPD, Hayes’ last known address was in Atlanta, Georgia. She has also has lived in Virginia and has ties to Baltimore, possibly having grown up in the city. BPD Chief Spokesman T. J. Smith said she has a past criminal history in states other than Maryland and that BPD is working with authorities in other states.

Photo Courtesy of BPD

Two males committed the robbery and at least one shot was fired. One suspect is identified as an African American male wearing an orange hoodie, dark pants, and glasses. He held he door for Wroblewski as Wroblewski left the Royal Farms. The suspect was pictured in the surveillance video released yesterday by BPD.

The second male suspect is only described at this point as a male with a black shirt.

Smith thanked the community for the tips it received and said a lot of work went into identifying Hayes. BPD also gathered surveillance footage from Royal Farms and adjacent apartment complex Anthem House. Smith said BPD is following up on tips for the male suspect pictured in the surveillance video.

“We want people who knew Hayes to call us and tell us who she hung out with,” said Smith. He also told Hayes to “turn yourself in.”

The Rowhouse Grille, posted the following on Facebook yesterday:

The Rowhouse family is heartbroken after the loss of our dear friend Alex “Albo” Wroblewski. Albo was beloved here, and all through South Baltimore and for great reason. We love and will miss you, dear friend.

Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School in Locust Point, where Wroblewski’s father Alex was a teacher, posted the following on Facebook from Principal Corey Basmajian:

As the principal of Francis Scott Key, I am saddened by the loss of Alex Wroblewski Jr. His father, Alex Wroblewski Sr, dedicated his life to City Schools and spent many years as an educator at Francis Scott Key. I had the pleasure to teach next door to Alex Sr. for a couple years and we grew to be friends. He always spoke fondly of his son and did everything he could to put him in the best position to succeed. My heart goes out to Alex Sr, and his loving wife Mary Kay. No parent should ever have to go through the loss of their children. My prayers to the South Baltimore community that mourn the loss of one of their own.

South Baltimore Little League posted this on Facebook:

Our deepest heartfelt condolences go to the family of Alex Wroblewski. Alex, a former coach and a member of the community, lost his life in a senseless act of violence early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the family, friends, co-workers, and community as they struggle to deal with this tragedy.

LFC Baltimore Reds, a Baltimore-based Liverpool Football Club supporters group, posted the following on Facebook:

It is a with a heavy heart that we report one of our own, Alex Wroblewski, was taken from us early this morning in a senseless act of violence.
He went to Anfield to watch the Reds play Man U in 2015 and managed to tell the entire away supporters stand exactly where they could shove it. He may not have been born there, but he was a proper Scouser. For those of you that were fortunate enough to know him, you know that the world became a less passionate and less vocal place. Wherever you are now, Alex, there are Reds there and you will never walk alone.

Wroblewski was remembered fondly by many on the neighborhood Facebook pages.

A vigil for Wroblewski will be held this Saturday, November 15th at 6 pm Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School.

This is the second homicide on the South Baltimore Peninsula in 2017; the other occurred on the 100 block of W. Hamburg St. in Sharp-Leadenhall on March 11th. BPD is also investigating the July 25th death of a man who was assaulted on the unit block of E. Cross St. in Federal Hill.

The South Baltimore Peninsula had no homicides in 2016 or 2015. This is the first homicide in Locust Point since 2010.

Homicides on the South Baltimore Peninsula since 2007:

SBNA had one in 2014
Sharp-Leadenhall had one each year in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2017
Federal Hill had two in 2008
Locust Point had one in 2010

Last week more than 250 area residents attended the South Baltimore/Riverside Public Safety Walk with Commissioner Davis. Interest in the event was high following four robberies on Halloween night involving eight victims.

A memorial for Alexander Wroblewski on Lawrence St.