Residents of the Rodgers Forge community and beyond are rallying around a beloved youth sports coach and father, the apparent victim of an attempted robbery and shooting outside his home.
A GoFundMe online fundraiser was launched Sunday to help the family of Mark McKenzie, a husband, father and community member. About 1,000 people had donated to the campaign as of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, raising more than $96,000.
“After a senseless act of violence in our beloved Rodgers Forge, our friend Mark Mckenzie is facing several surgeries and a long recovery,” wrote the fundraiser’s organizer, Matthew Garrity. “The outpouring of support from this community has been incredible and it is apparent that so many people want to help the Mckenzie family.”
Garrity could not be reached for comment Monday.
Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 400 block of Dunkirk Road just after 11:30 a.m. Friday, where they found a 50-year-old man with a single gunshot wound to his upper body. Detectives confirmed the shot was fired during an attempted robbery, after which the victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, police said in a news release Monday.
Joy Stewart, the Police Department’s director of public affairs, said Monday that no arrests had been made and police continued to search for a suspect. She said the department does not identify the victims of nonfatal shootings.
As detectives continue to investigate, they have asked anyone with information to contact them, and Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland is offering a cash reward for up to $2,000.
No additional information was available on the victim’s condition.
The crime occurred in Rodgers Forge, a neighborhood of about 1,800 households in the greater Towson area, according to the Rodgers Forge Community Association. On Tuesday, people strolled past townhouses on the sidewalks of the quiet, leafy street where the shooting occurred.
McKenzie coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer.
In a statement after the shooting Friday, the association said any neighbors interested in supporting the family can reach out to the board for more information.
The neighborhood is located in District 6, which is represented by Baltimore County Councilman Mike Ertel. In response to the shooting, Ertel said in an email, a community walk has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 24. (It was originally scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 18, but was postponed due to rain.)
“This walk is in response to last week’s shooting in Rodgers Forge, and it will be an opportunity for residents, the Baltimore County Police, and elected officials to show support for the victim and his family,” Ertel wrote. He said police would be on hand to answer what questions they could.
The mile-long walk will start at Dumbarton Middle School, wrap around to where the attempted robbery took place and end at the school.
Meanwhile, neighbors and others continue to extend support to the victim’s family. Charlotte Wanner on Sunday left a message with her donation that said, “Please know that me & your many neighbors are praying for you, your family and your recovery. Incredibly sorry this happened to you.”
