NORTHWEST BALTIMORE, MARYLAND | PUBLIC SAFETY | November 3, 2026
Quick Take
- A 15-year-old girl escaped after police say a man offering an unlicensed cab ride took her to a basement and stabbed her repeatedly.
- Abubakarr Barrie, 23, faces nine charges, including attempted first-degree murder and kidnapping, and is being held without bond.
- Federal immigration officials have lodged a detainer asking Maryland authorities not to release him.
What’s happening?
A Northwest Baltimore teen is recovering after what police describe as a violent kidnapping that began as a ride across the city. According to charging documents, the girl got into a car driven by Abubakarr Barrie for what she believed was a hack, an unlicensed taxi ride.
Instead of taking her to her destination, police say he brought her to a home where he rented a basement room, forced her inside, and attacked her. She was stabbed at least five times and suffered a collapsed lung. A judge ordered Barrie held without bond at a hearing on October 26.
Where and when?
The attack happened on the night of Thursday, October 22. Police say Barrie picked up the girl and drove her to a home on Garrison Boulevard. Charging documents state he grabbed her by the arms, pushed her toward the back of the house, and told her to put down her phone and not scream.
The girl fought back, scratching her attacker and striking him with a fire extinguisher before escaping. Investigators later identified Barrie through a Cash App account he had given her to pay for the ride, along with a car registered to him that matched her description. He was arrested two days later.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Victim’s age | 15 |
| Suspect’s age | 23 |
| Number of charges | 9 |
| Times victim was stabbed | At least 5 |
What do officials say about the suspect?
The Department of Homeland Security says Barrie is a native of Sierra Leone who entered the country illegally through Arizona in December 2023 and was released after a Border Patrol arrest. DHS also says New York City police arrested him in July 2026 on a forged document charge, and that New York officials did not honor an ICE detainer at the time. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized that decision and urged Baltimore officials to honor the new detainer, lodged on October 24.
In court, Barrie’s defense said he has no prior convictions, works as an Uber Eats driver, and is studying for his GED. He maintains his innocence.
What should you do?
Police urge riders, especially teens, to avoid unlicensed hack cabs and use licensed taxis or rideshare apps that track trips and record driver details. Parents should talk with their children about safe ways to get around the city and share locations during rides.
Anyone with information about this case can contact Baltimore Police detectives or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
What comes next?
Barrie remains in custody and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on November 25. If convicted on the most serious charges, he could face life in prison. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
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