Baltimore Elder Recounts 7-Eleven Attack as Community Rallies Against Violence

More than 100 people gathered outside a Baltimore 7-Eleven on July 26 after 74-year-old Ade Oba Tokunbo was attacked at the store earlier that month. The gathering brought residents and community organizations to 2500 Liberty Heights Ave. for what organizers called a “Clarion Call” against violence.

In an identification appeal, Baltimore Police said the attack occurred at about 3:46 a.m. on July 7 in the 2500 block of Liberty Heights Avenue. Police classified the case as an attempted armed robbery.

Police described the six people sought in the case as younger males. The department said one displayed a gray assault-style rifle and a sword.

The AFRO later interviewed Tokunbo and covered the rally at the site. It reported his injuries and documented the community response.

The Attack

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Information Sought In reference to an attempted armed robbery that occurred in the Northern District, Citywide Robbery detectives need your help in identifying 6 individuals seen in this video. On July 7, 2026 at approximately 3:46 a.m., a 74-year-old victim was assaulted in the 2500 block of Liberty Heights Avenue. The suspects are described as younger males; one displays a gray assault-style rifle and a sword. Anyone with information is urged to contact Citywide Robbery detectives at 410-366-6311 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup. — Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) July 15, 2026

The video in the police post shows several people closing in on Tokunbo near the store entrance and continuing the attack after he falls.

Tokunbo told the AFRO that the store’s lights were on, but no one was inside. As he returned to his car, he said, six people emerged from the bushes, and one demanded his keys and money.

Tokunbo said the group surrounded him, struck him, and threw crates at him. He said he resisted for 10 to 15 minutes before he was knocked down. One or two members of the group then kicked him, causing a fractured rib, he said.

The AFRO reported that Tokunbo also suffered an injured hand and bruises. When the publication asked why he kept resisting, Tokunbo said it was in his nature.

A Clarion Call

Queen Mother Victory Swift-Gye Nyame, Gwendolyn Levi, and Ujimma Masani organized the July 26 gathering. The AFRO photographed and interviewed participants from multiple organizations outside the store.

“We said we have to do something,” Swift-Gye Nyame said. “We decided we were going to fight back.”

The location carried a separate loss for Swift-Gye Nyame. She told the AFRO that her son was killed at the same location. The AFRO reported that 19-year-old Victorious K. Swift had left the 7-Eleven when he was shot and killed during an attempted robbery on March 26, 2017.

Accountability and Support

Joe Jones of the Center for Urban Families proposed engaging the six people before the justice system reached them. He called for holding them accountable, having them make amends and connecting them with services.

Bishop Michael Watson Jr., vice president of religious affairs for the National Action Network, urged residents, families and churches to work together. Christina Duncan Evans, chair of the Baltimore Teachers Union Teacher Chapter, said the community should not give up on young people or their families.

Tokunbo thanked those who attended and asked the participating groups to remain in contact. He encouraged them to meet regularly and cooperate on educating and mobilizing people.

Baltimore Police asked anyone with information to call Citywide Robbery detectives at 410-366-6311 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.