Eric Banks

Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced  that a jury found Eric Banks guilty of second-degree murder in the January 2013 killing of Darren Bell in the Marley Neck area of Glen Burnie.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Philip Caroom sentenced Banks to the maximum 30 years in prison following the verdict.

“Eric Banks says he went to the woods that night to stop his daughter from doing something she would regret. What he should have done is called 911. If he had done the right thing, Darren Bell may be alive today,” Leitess said.

Emergency dispatchers received multiple phone calls from Bell in the early morning hours of January 27, 2013 asking them to trace the calls because he feared he was going to be killed. He was on the phone with dispatchers when he was shot.

Anne Arundel County police responded to the scene and found Banks’ daughter, 28-year-old Erica Banks, and Tremain Calhoun Jr., 25, in a parked sport utility vehicle. Soon after, Eric Banks emerged from a wooded area with blood on his hands.

 Bell was found in the woods suffering from a gunshot wound and multiple knife wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eric Banks, Erica Banks and Calhoun were each charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and weapons offenses.

On March 7, Calhoun entered an Alford plea to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. In exchange for the plea, he agreed to testify in the trials of his co-defendants. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14.

Erica Banks is scheduled to stand trial April 29 in Anne Arundel Circuit Court.

UPDATE:  

The vehicle entered the parking lot of the Annapolis Mall at which time officers disengaged from actively attempting to stop the suspect due to public safety concerns. The suspect continued through the Annapolis Mall parking lot and drove around the lot towards Jennifer Rd. At that point the suspect drove between vehicles on the lot. A marked Anne Arundel County Police vehicle was within the parking lot attempting to limit the suspect’s travels. The suspect deliberately changed course and struck the County Police officer, who was standing outside of the vehicle and continued striking the police vehicle. The suspect made no attempt to stop and continued his flight. The police officer suffered minor injuries. At that point, officers began to actively pursue the suspect vehicle.

During the pursuit, officers observed the suspect throw what they believed to be CDS from the vehicle. Officers subsequently recovered 13 baggies of Heroin with an approximate street value of $900. The suspect then drove to the Newtown community, located in Annapolis City, where he bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit the suspect was apprehended.

The suspect struck at least two civilian vehicles at Forest Dr. and Chinquapin Round Rd. There were no civilian injuries reported.

The suspect is being charged with the following:

Willie James Rhodes, 24

• Attempted Murder
• 1st and 2nd degree assault
• Assault on a Police Officer
• Poss of Heroin with Intent to Distribute
• Numerous traffic offenses

Suspect: Willie James Rhodes, 24, of 6oo Block Broach Ct. Annapolis, MD 21401

At approximately 11:45 a.m. in the area of Bestgate Rd. and Admiral Dr. Annapolis, officers from the Annapolis Police Department witnessed a narcotics transaction. They requested assistance from the Anne Arundel County Police Department since the incident occurred outside of their jurisdiction.

When an officer activated his emergency equipment in an effort to pull the vehicle over, the driver failed to stop. Officers did not pursue the vehicle at this time, but they witnessed the vehicle proceed toward the Annapolis Mall. An Anne Arundel County Officer, who was on foot in the mall parking lot, tried to get the driver to pull over. The driver of the vehicle disregarded those commands and struck the officer with the vehicle on his arm. At this time, other officers arrived and attempted to stop the suspect vehicle.

The vehicle failed to stop for officers and officers pursued the vehicle in the Annapolis area. The driver of the vehicle struck several cars in the area of Chinquapin Round Rd. The driver then turned into the Newtown 20 Community where he bailed out of the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, the driver was taken into custody.

Officers located evidence that was discarded during the pursuit. No one was seriously injured. The officer who was struck went the hospital with minor injuries to his arm.  The suspect will face numerous criminal and traffic charges. The suspects’ names have not been released.

Source: AACoPD

A Virginia man is in shock-trauma this afternoon recovering from a gunshot wound received while kayaking in Bodkin Creek last night in Pasadena.

Police and EMS were called to the scene this morning just before 11am for an unusual incident.  The unidentified man says he recalls seeing a red laser dot on his stomach while kayaking last night and then feeling a searing pain.

He does not recall at what time he was shot, or how long it took him to make it to shore.  The man is reported to have relatives that live in Anne Arundel County. DNR Police are investigating the incident.

Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced today that Darius Cameron, 28, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the attempted murder of store employees during a 2011 botched robbery at an Annapolis Spanish grocery store. Cameron, of Glen Burnie, will be on supervised probation for five years following his release.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Pamela North in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis.

On August 19, 2011, Cameron entered Anita’s Spanish Grocery on Fairfax Road in Annapolis and perused the aisles. After a few minutes, he pulled his shirt over his face, pointed a revolver at two employees and demanded cash. Cameron climbed on the counter and continued to point the gun at the employees. He pulled the trigger several times, but the gun malfunctioned. Cameron pointed the gun at a third employee and again tried to shoot, but the gun did not fire. Cameron dropped the weapon while attempting to pull the cash drawer from the register. A clerk picked up the revolver and a struggle ensued. Employees chased Cameron throughout the store and locked all doors so he could not exit. One man got Cameron on the ground and held him until police arrived.

On January 23, 2014, an Anne Arundel County jury found Cameron guilty of two counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, three counts of First-Degree Assault, two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery, Use of a Handgun in Commission of a Felony and Use of a Handgun in a Crime of Violence.

Leitess commended Deputy State’s Attorney William Roessler, who prosecuted the case, the Annapolis Police Department and the employees and customers of Anita’s Spanish Grocery.

“A dangerous man is off the street because of the courage of everyday people who weren’t going to let him get away and victimize others,” Leitess said. “By cooperating and testifying in court, the employees and customers of the store have made Annapolis a safer place for citizens. We thank them for their cooperation with this case.”

On Wednesday, April 9, those same employees and customers were honored for their efforts at the State’s Attorney’s Office’s Awards Ceremony and Luncheon commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Source: Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office

U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Ernst Harmon, age 37, of Annapolis, Maryland, today to 198 months in prison, and his brother Dontaye Harmon, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland to 125 months in prison, both followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Judge Hollander also ordered Harmon to forfeit a 2004 Land Rover truck, a 1999 Dodge Caravan and $4,050 in cash.

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Baltimore Field Division; Annapolis Police Chief Michael A. Pristoop; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; U.S. Marshal Johnny Hughes; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

“We are proud of the excellent work and partnerships that resulted in removing two violent offenders from our streets,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop. “This is significant for public safety in Annapolis.”

According to their plea agreements, from at least July 2012 until June 2013, Ernst and Dontaye Harmon conspired with their brother, Donwand Harmon, Damian Brown and others to distribute cocaine base to a number of individuals in the Baltimore and Anne Arundel County, Maryland areas.

On July 31, 2012, Baltimore City Police officers stopped Ernst Harmon for a traffic violation. The police seized a hollowed-out cigar filled with raw marijuana and $4,050 from Ernst, and 140 grams of cocaine base and additional raw marijuana from a hidden compartment in his vehicle.

Dontaye Harmon worked with Ernst Harmon to run a drug shop operating out of the projects located at 920 President Street in Annapolis. Law enforcement saw Ernst and Dontaye outside the drug shop regularly making hand-to-hand transactions with customers. Pursuant to a court authorized wiretap on Ernst’s cell phone, law enforcement overheard Ernst arranging sales of cocaine base directly with customers, or instructing customers to deal with Dontaye. Ernst was

also overheard calling Dontaye on multiple occasions to warn him that the police were coming, or were outside the drug shop. On two occasions in November 2012 and February 2013, investigators used an individual to purchase a total of 36.9 grams of cocaine base directly from Ernst and Dontaye at the drug shop. On a third occasion in January 2013, the individual made a controlled purchase of 27.2 grams of cocaine base from Ernst at the drug shop.

It was reasonably foreseeable to Ernst and Dontaye that the conspiracy distributed at least 280 grams of cocaine base.

Ernest Harmon also faces attempted murder charges in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for the September 9, 2012 shooting of two individuals in Annapolis.

Donwand Cuppatino Harmon, age 37, of Annapolis, Maryland, previously admitted that he was responsible for distributing at least a kilogram of heroin during the conspiracy. Judge Hollander sentenced Donwand Harmon on February 7, 2014 to 210 months in prison, and ordered him to forfeit $27,895 in cash, a 2010 Porsche Panamera, a 2008 Mercedes Benz CL550, and jewelry, including a Breitling wrist watch with a diamond face and band.

Damian Brown also pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy on February 3, 2014, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Annapolis Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Baltimore Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and Scott Lemmon who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Source: Annapolis PD

UPDATE:  The Annapolis Police Department has issued the following statement:

On Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:50 am, officers responded to the area of W. Washington St and Town Pines Ct for a report of a shooting.  Upon officers arrival, they located the victim who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder.  The victim was transported to Baltimore Shock Trauma with non- life threatening injuries.  The victim is not being identified until family members have been notified.  This incident is being actively investigated the Criminal Investigation Section.
 
Anyone with information is asked to call the Annapolis Police Department at 410-268-9000 or (410) 268-4141.

Emergency crews were called to the Timothy House apartments early this morning for a shooting.

The call came in shortly before 3am for a man shot in the back at the 29 W. Washington Street apartment complex. Timothy House is a 60-unit apartment complex for renters seeking subsidized housing assistance.

Initially a Maryland State Police helicopter was dispatched and was later canceled when circumstances dictated that the patient be transferred to the closest medical facility.

ANNAPOLIS | ANNE ARUNDEL | TRAUMA W/HELO | 29 W WASHINGTON ST TIMOTHY HOUSE | MALE SHOT IN THE BACK, TROOPER 2 LZ NAVY MARINE CORP STADIUM |

— Baltimore Metro News (@BaltMetroNews) April 19, 2014

ANNAPOLIS | ANNE ARUNDEL | U/D | 29 W WASHINGTON ST TIMOTHY HOUSE | CANCEL TROOPER 2 GOING BY LAND

— Baltimore Metro News (@BaltMetroNews) April 19, 2014

The Annapolis Police Department has not release any statement on this incident yet; and we will update accordingly when they do.

A taxi cab driver was robbed at gunpoint early this morning.  According to police, a light skinned black male (approximately 5’10″ 180 lbs) took a taxi from Bens Drive to President Street in Eastport.

Once the cab arrived at the location, the suspect pulled a handgun on the driver and demanded money. After obtaining the money, the suspect fled on foot.

Source: Annapolis PD

Gabriel Marc Voumard, 22, of Cape May, NJ.

On April 20, 2014 at approximately 2:20 a.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of Bay Head Rd Annapolis, MD 21409 for a report of an assault.

Upon their arrival, they spoke with the victim, a 40 year-old male from Annapolis, who advised he had been assaulted. The victim works as a cab driver for La Union Taxi Cab Co. He picked up two fares from a bar on West Street in Annapolis and transported them to the 1400 block of Bay Head Rd.  The victim advised the two fares of the cost and at that time they advised they did not have a credit card and had to get cash from inside the residence.

The victim advised that one of the fares, later identified as Gabriel Marc Voumard, 22, is a midshipman from the United States Naval Academy, stayed inside the vehicle while the other went inside. Notification to the Academy was made. The victim further advised that the other fare came back out of the residence with less money than was owed. At that point the two of them ran inside of the house.  The victim advised that a woman then came outside of the home and told him that they were coming with more money.

The victim then advised that Voumard then came back outside with a knife.  The victim was standing in the driveway at this time. He advised that Voumard ran aggressively toward him and proceeded to raise the knife up next to the right side of his head pointing it in the victim’s direction.

The victim then ran back to his vehicle.  The suspect then dropped the knife on the ground outside of the victim’s driver’s side door and then went back inside the residence.

Officers spoke to both the victim and the suspect. They observed a silver butter knife on top of the taxi. They also observed that Voumard was extremely intoxicated.

Voumard was arrested and transported to Eastern District Police Station where he was charged with First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, and Reckless Endangerment.

This is an ongoing investigation as detectives are interviewing and attempting to identify other potential witnesses.

Gabriel Marc Voumard, 22, of  Cape May, NJ.

Source: AACoPD

Anne Arundel County Police have made two drug busts in the past two days resulting in seizure of firearms, heroin, marijuana, and cash.

Edgewater

Jason Brian Hutchinson

Over the past month, Southern TNT Detectives have been investigating a suspect at 1600 block of Arundel Road in Edgewater for distribution of marijuana. Subsequent to this investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for that residence.

On the morning of Monday April 21, 2014, detectives from Southern TNT and TPU served the search warrant. The suspect was arrested, transported to Southern District and charged accordingly. The following items were seized during execution of the search warrant:

1) Small amount of marijuana

2) Digital scale

3) Several glass smoking devices

4) CDS packaging material

5) $3,500 in U.S. currency (seized as drug proceeds)

6) cellular phone (Dumped)

7) High Point 40 caliber rifle

8) Remington 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun

9) Westfield 12 gauge pump shotgun

10) Springfield 22 caliber long rifle

Suspect: Jason Brian Hutchinson, 19, of 1600 block Arundel Road, Edgewater, Md

Charges:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Marijuana w/Intent to Distribute
• Possession of a Firearm in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession of CDS Paraphernalia

Glen Burnie

On April 8, 2014, at approximately 11:00 a.m., members of the Special Enforcement Section assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration with a search and seizure warrant at 8000 block Solley Road in Glen Burnie. This concluded an investigation in reference to drug activity at this residence.

Upon searching the residence, detectives seized approximately 919 grams of heroin with an approximate street value of $91,900, approximately 710 grams of crack cocaine with an approximate street value of $71,000, approximately 12 grams of cocaine with an approximate street value of $1,200 and approximately 50 grams of marijuana with an approximate street value of $1000. Detectives also seized $172,673, a loaded Derringer .22 caliber handgun and numerous drug paraphernalia items.

Tion Renard Fox

Suspect #1: Tion Renard Fox, 34, of 8000 block Solley Road, Glen Burnie, Md

• Possession of heroin (large amount)
• Possession of crack-cocaine (large amount)
• Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
• Possession of crack-cocaine with intent to distribute
• Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
• Possession of a firearm with a nexus to a drug trafficking crime
• Possession of heroin
• Possession of crack-cocaine
• Possession of cocaine
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug production equipment and Possession of drug paraphernalia

An arrest warrant was obtained for the below suspect and he was taken into custody on April 18, 2014.

Alvis Rene Fox

Suspect #2: Alvis Rene Fox, 57, of 8000 block Solley Road, Glen Burnie, Md

• Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
• Possession of crack-cocaine with intent to distribute
• Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
• Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
• Possession of a firearm with a nexus to a drug trafficking crime
• Possession of heroin
• Possession of crack-cocaine
• Possession of cocaine
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug production equipment
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Source: AACoPD

On April 26, 2014, The Anne Arundel County Police Department will again participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative. This initiative, supervised by DEA, will coordinate a collaborative effort with state and local law enforcement agencies focused on removing potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets. This eighth national “take-back day” will provide a unified opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction. This one-day effort will bring national focus to the issue of pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse. The program provides an opportunity for law enforcement, prevention, treatment, and the business community to collaborate and establish a safe collection site for all Americans, regardless of where they reside.

In addition to participating in the National Prescription Pill Take Back Initiative, the Police Department will also use this opportunity to showcase its permanently installed drop boxes which are in each district station. These boxes have been installed for the purpose of assisting the public in disposing of unused or unwanted medications year round. They will also allow citizens to dispose of these medications at their convenience in a safe and secure environment. The same collection protocols established for the pill take back initiative will be in effect for the drop boxes.

Collection Day Protocols

• On Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the Anne Arundel County Police Department will have a police representative at each of the county’s four districts which will serve as collection sites.

Northern District                                             Eastern District
939 Hammonds Lane                                      3700 Mountain Road
Baltimore, MD 21225                                      Pasadena, MD 21122
(410) 222-6135                                                (410) 222-6145

Western District                                              Southern District
8273 Telegraph Road                                     35 Stepneys Lane
Odenton, MD 21113                                        Edgewater, MD 21037
(410) 222-6155                                                (410) 222-1961

• Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances may be collected
• This program is anonymous and no requests for identification will be made.
• Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box.  If an original container is submitted, the individual should be encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label.
• All solid dosage pharmaceutical product and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted.  Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.  The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
• Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.
• Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.  If an individual attempts to surrender an illicit controlled substance, law enforcement personnel should handle such material as abandoned property in accordance with department policy.

All participants must retain possession of their own medication during the surrender process.

Kevin Hall, 47, of Annapolis

On April 25, 2014 officers from the Annapolis Police Department arrested Kevin Hall, 47, of Annapolis for impersonating a police officer and numerous traffic violations after an altercation stemming from a traffic incident.

On April 25, 2014 at 6:41pm a frantic 26 year old female called police after a man, later identified as Kevin Hall, displayed a badge to her and tried to get her to pull over.  The man was driving a white work van and the two had been traveling on Forest Dr in separate vehicles when a minor traffic incident occurred.  Hall began following the woman and when both vehicles were stopped at Tyler Av and Bay Ridge Av, he exited his vehicle and approached the woman’s vehicle on foot.  Hall displayed a badge to the woman and attempted to get her to pull over.

The woman called 9-1-1 and continued driving a circuitous route, with Hall following her vehicle.  As police were approaching the area Hall parked his vehicle, immediately exited, and began walking away from it.  Officers located Hall and the van and saw a badge and handcuffs upon looking inside.  Hall identified himself to officers as a federal agent.

Hall has a lengthy arrest record with the Annapolis Police Department.  Hall was arrested and charged with three counts related to impersonating a police officer and an alcohol violation.  He was also charged with numerous traffic offenses related to driving while suspended and revoked, reckless driving, and negligent driving.  He is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on $110,000 bond.  If anyone believes they may have been approached by Kevin Hall please contact Det. Thomas Pyles at 410-268-9000 ext. 5765 or tnpyles@annapolis.gov.

“Our dispatchers did an outstanding job coordinating with the victim and our officers on the street,” said Police Chief Michael Pristoop.  “As a result we were able to remove a criminal with a long arrest record from the community.

Source: Annapolis PD

A Baltimore woman who left her child unattended in a vehicle for eight hours while she gambled at Maryland Live! Casino in December pleaded guilty to the top count of Reckless Endangerment this afternoon, State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced.

Alicia Brown, 25, entered the plea before Judge Paul A. Hackner in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis. The State asked Judge Hackner to incarcerate Ms. Brown. He sentenced her to three years, suspending all but five days in jail, to begin today. Ms. Brown was placed on supervised probation for three years. She was ordered to continue general counseling and to not enter any casino or gaming facility.

“Leaving a young child unattended in a vehicle is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Even a quick run into a convenience store can result in tragic consequences, such as injury, car theft or abduction,” Leitess said. “This case is particularly disturbing as Ms. Brown left her child unattended for not minutes, but hours. We are fortunate this case did not have a more tragic outcome.”

On December 31, 2013 Anne Arundel County police responded to a parking garage for Maryland Live! Casino in Hanover for a report of a child left unattended in a vehicle. Officers spoke with a security manager, who stated a 4-year-old girl was discovered inside a white GMC Terrain by a security officer. The officer discovered the child alone in the vehicle and crying. The child told the officer that her mother told her she would be right back and left her alone. The child was removed from the GMC and placed in a Maryland Live! Casino security vehicle to stay warm until fire personnel arrived.

Security footage showed the GMC entering the garage at about 10 a.m. The child was discovered at 6:31 p.m. There was no food or drink left for the girl or any means to stay warm. The vehicle was not running and keys were not found inside it. When asked, the girl told the officer she was not OK. She had also urinated herself in the vehicle.

Brown arrived on scene and identified herself as the child’s mother. She was placed under arrest.

On Friday, May 2, 2014 at approximately 12:05 a.m., the Anne Arundel County Police Department responded to the Mercy Medical Center, 345 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland for a sexual assault/rape.  The adult female advised the sexual assault/rape occurred on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at approximately 4:00 a.m. in the 100 block of Oakleigh Avenue, Ferndale, Maryland.

The victim reported she was walking when she was offered a ride by a white male suspect who had identified himself as “Glen”.    Once in his car he pulled to an area in the 100 block of Oakleigh Street where he sexually assaulted the female.  Once the assault was over she was pushed out of the vehicle.

The suspect and suspect’s vehicle is described as follows:

Suspect:  “Glen” , 20-30 year old white male, 5’08 tall, medium build and short brown hair

Suspect Vehicle:  newer model Volkwagon GTI black in color 4 door hatchback, dark tinted windows, chrome wheels with possible red brake pads, and the VW logo on the front had red trim.

Please refer to the attached information sought poster which contains a composite drawing of the suspect.  The vehicle in the flyer is not the suspect vehicle just a vehicle consistent with what he was operating.

As the investigation continues we urge anyone with information on this incident to contact Detective Kristina Josa of the Anne Arundel County Sex Crimes Unit  at 410-222-3459 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

On May 3, 2014 at approximately 1:12 a.m., officers from the Northern District responded to the Royal Farms store located at the 7200 block of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard for a report of a shooting that had just occurred.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 20 year old male from Severn, who was suffering from multiple gun shot wounds.  Preliminary investigation shows that the victim and suspect became involved in an altercation, and at some point the victim was shot.

The suspect was described as a black male, who fled the area on foot in an unknown direction.  Several officers including a K-9 and Aviation Unit canvassed the area for the suspect but had negative results.

The victim was transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma for treatment.  At this time, the victim’s injuries appear to be non-life threatening.  Detectives believe this to be targeted incident.

The investigation is on-going. If you have information on this incident please contact the Northern District Detective Unit at 410-222-6135 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

Source: AACoPD

Police, fire, and EMS crews are responding to a stabbing in the 200 block of Claude Street in West Annapolis.

According to the dispatch, a male had been stabbed in the chest and was not alert.

This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information is available.

Within the past two weeks, detectives from the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Intelligence Section received information that a female was inquiring about planning a kidnapping and homicide. An investigation was launched with the assistance of the Annapolis Police Department.

The investigation revealed that a suspect, later identified as Stacie Roberts, is the girlfriend of Savvas Pantelides. Pantelides is currently being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center awaiting trial on robbery and attempted murder charges.

Detectives were able to confirm that Roberts was inquiring about having the victim, who is the primary witness against Pantelides, kidnapped so that he wouldn’t be able to appear at the trial and testify.

On May 5, 2014, a detective, posing as an outlaw motorcycle gang associate, met with Roberts. The detective spoke to Roberts about what she wanted done. Roberts insisted on several occasions that she didn’t want the victim to appear to court.

Roberts gave the detective the victim’s name, physical description and address. She also offered cash ($1,600.00) and prescription pills to have the victim killed.

After the detective finished speaking with Roberts, she exited the vehicle and members of the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Special Operations Section took her into custody without incident.

The victim was not harmed during the course of this investigation.

“Our primary consideration in this case was the protection of the victim and state’s witness,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis. “Her plot was an assault against our nation’s criminal justice system and we are its defenders.”

After consulting with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, the suspect was charged with Obstruction of Justice (Misdemeanor, carries penalty of up to 5 years/$10,000 fine), Induce/Inhibit Testimony (Misdemeanor, carries up to 5 years/$5,000 fine) and Induce/Inhibit Testimony Felony Offense (Felony, up to 20 years).

If anyone has any additional information on this case, please contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Intelligence Section at 410-222-3030.

UPDATE (1153am) : Police are reporting that an adult female was located inside the building this morning approximately 845am with obvious signs of upper body trauma.

Anne Arundel County police are on the scene of a homicide at the Glen Burnie Medical Arts Center located at 325 Hospital Drive in Glen Burnie.

Few details are available at this point.

.@AACoPD on the scene of a homicide in #GlenBurnie. Medical Ctr. closed. CID on scene, PIO on scene. pic.twitter.com/OuDv44OFKU

— Anne Arundel Police (@AACOPD) May 12, 2014

Anne Arundel County Police are investigating the discovery of a badly decomposed body found this morning in Sawmill Creek behind the Rippling Ridge apartment community. This is in the Ferndale section of Glen Burnie.

More information is not currently available and we will update as soon as possible.

The Annapolis Police Department, in close partnership with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and assisted by Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Maryland State Police, announces the indictments of nine Annapolis heroin dealers.  This multi-agency drug initiative spanned more than seven months and involved undercover police officers making controlled purchases from drug dealers.

In response to an increase in heroin overdoses, detectives from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Annapolis Police Department in October 2013.  Through their investigations the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office learned that drug users were buying heroin in Annapolis, prompting them to contact our Drug Enforcement Unit.

The Annapolis Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit identified two groups responsible for the majority of heroin distributed in Annapolis.  The initiative involved Annapolis detectives working hand in hand with Calvert County Sheriff’s detectives to make over 50 controlled buys of heroin, with over 100 grams of heroin seized.  The indictments, resulting from these buys, will disrupt these illegal drug trafficking groups in Annapolis.

Those indicted are identified as:

• Kelly Bowers, 24, of Annapolis
• Richard Naylor, 21, of Arnold
• Rishard Naylor, 22, of Annapolis.  Naylor is currently incarcerated in Calvert County.
• Sadie Phillips, 19, of Annapolis
• Adrian Williams, 27, of Annapolis.  Williams is currently incarcerated with the Department of Corrections.

Four others were indicted and their names will be released in the coming days.

In addition, two juveniles were charged in this initiative:

• A 17 year old from Annapolis
• A 17 year old from Arnold

One other juvenile will also be charged in this initiative.

Early this morning the Annapolis Police Department and the Anne Arundel County Police Department began the process of arresting those indicted.

This initiative has paralleled the Annapolis Police Department’s increased focus on drug enforcement.  In the first five months of 2014 the Annapolis Police Department has made 130 arrests for possession of heroin, cocaine, and opiates, compared to 81 arrests during the same months in 2013.  While this initiative was occurring Annapolis Police officers arrested a total of 510 people charging them with drug related offenses.

The city experienced six fatal overdoses due to heroin in 2013, and one in 2014.  There have also been 22 non-fatal heroin overdoses reported in 2014.  Detectives were able to link nine Anne Arundel County overdoses to suspects indicted in this initiative.

“I am thankful for our law enforcement partnerships and the excellent results of this investigation,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop.  “Illegal drugs affect our community in many ways.  Drug dealers ply their trade in communities leading to violence and other crime increases throughout the City.”

“This multi-agency drug initiative is responsible for getting heroin off the street, dealers behind bars, and creating a safer place for all Annapolis residents,” Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides said.  “I applaud the law enforcement agencies and departments involved for their diligence in fighting crime in our City.”

Indictments

Kelly Bowers, 24,                        CDS distribution narcotics 3x

                                                            CDS possession with intent to dist. Narcotics 3x

                                                            CDS possession not marijuana 3x

                                                            Conspiracy CDS possession with int to dist narc 1x

Richard Naylor, 21,                    CDS distribution narcotics 8x

                                                            CDS possession with intent to dist. Narcotics 8x

                                                            CDS possession not marijuana  8x

                                                            Conspiracy CDS possession with int to dist narc 4x

                                                            Hire, solicit, engage, use a minor to manufacture etc CDS CR 5.628a 1x

Rishard Naylor, 22,                   CDS distribution narcotics 2x

                                                            CDS possession with intent to dist. Narcotics 2x

                                                            CDS possession not marijuana 2x

                                                            Naylor is currently incarcerated in Calvert County

Sadie Phillips, 19,                       CDS distribution narcotics

                                                            CDS possession with intent to dist. Narcotics

                                                            CDS possession not marijuana

                                                            Conspiracy CDS possession with int to dist narc

Adrian Williams, 27,                 CDS distribution narcotics

                                                            CDS possession with intent to dist. Narcotics

                                                            CDS possession not marijuana

                                                            Conspiracy CDS possession with int to dist narc

                                                            Williams is currently incarcerated with the Department of Corrections.

A 17 year old from Annapolis CDS distribution narcotics

                                              Conspiracy CDS possession with int to dist narc

A 17 year old from Arnold        CDS distribution narcotics 3x

                                                            CDS possession with intent to dist. Narcotics 3x

                                                            CDS possession not marijuana 3x

                                                            Additional charges from arrest

                                                            CDS paraphernalia

                                                            CDS possession marijuana

Involved Properties

300 block of Ternwing Dr, Arnold, MD

Unit block of Bens Dr, Annapolis, MD

700 block of Newtowne Dr, Annapolis, MD

Seizures

2006 Chrysler 300 from 300 block of Ternwing Dr, Arnold, MD

Additional Arrests

Thomas Penn, 25, of Annapolis         CDS possession with intent to dist.

                                                                         Trespass

A 16 year old from Arnold                 CDS possession marijuana

Source: Annapolis PD

Brittany Anne Wenzel, 18, of Pasadena.

On May 28, 2014, at approximately 1:55 p.m., an Anne Arundel County School Crossing Guard reported being assaulted on the parking lot of Northeast High School, 1121 Duvall Highway, Pasadena, Maryland.  Investigation would reveal this incident stemmed from events that occurred the preceding day.

On May 27, 2014, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the School Crossing Guard, along with a partner, was on-duty, wearing the complete Anne Arundel County School Crossing Guard uniform, and was performing her assignment in the marked pedestrian crossing in front of Northeast High School.  A Crossing Guard’s lawful authority to direct vehicles and pedestrians on a highway or on school grounds is derived from Maryland Motor Vehicle Law, §21-107, and Anne Arundel County Code, 2005, Article 12, Title 2, Subtitle 101.

Utilizing an audible whistle blast, hand signals and other visual safety equipment to stop vehicular traffic, the Crossing Guard stopped motorists at the school’s entrance along Duvall Highway to allow pedestrians to cross the street.  As traffic was stopped, the Crossing Guard saw a blue Chevrolet Sonic automobile, being operated by a white female driver.  The Chevrolet was attempting to exit the Northeast High School parking lot by turning right and continuing on Duvall Highway.  As the Crossing Guard continued to direct motorists to remain stopped, the driver of the Chevrolet ignored the Crossing Guard’s visual and auditory directions.  The driver drove through the marked crosswalk containing pedestrians and continued right on to Duvall Highway.  The Crossing Guard was unable to determine the registration plate number of the vehicle at the time, but she recognized the driver’s actions were violations of Maryland Motor Vehicle Law.

The following day, on May 28, 2014 at approximately 1:55p.m., the Crossing Guard was again on-duty and in the complete Anne Arundel County School Crossing Guard uniform when she saw a blue Chevrolet Sonic automobile parked on the parking lot of Northeast High School.  The Crossing Guard immediately recognized this vehicle as the same vehicle involved in the traffic violations the preceding day.  The Chevrolet was parked in an area readily accessible to the public, and the Crossing Guard approached the vehicle to obtain a digital photograph of the registration plate.  The Crossing Guard’s intent was to provide this information to her supervisors and facilitate a potential police investigation into the traffic infractions of May 27, 2014.

The Crossing Guard approached the vehicle close enough to take a photograph with the camera on her cellular telephone.  An occupant exited the driver’s seat and quickly approached the Crossing Guard.  The Crossing Guard immediately recognized the occupant, later identified as Brittany Anne Wenzel, as the driver who committed the traffic infractions on May 27, 2014.

Wenzel approached the Crossing Guard, cursed at her, and told the Crossing Guard that she was not going to take pictures of her and her car.  As she made these statements, Wenzel physically grabbed the Crossing Guard’s wrist and hand to forcibly take the cellular phone.  The Guard struggled to fend off Wenzel’s attack and retain possession of her property.  During the struggle, the Crossing Guard sustained redness to her wrist and arm.  The Crossing Guard successfully retained her phone, upon which time Wenzel slapped the Crossing Guard in the face.  The strike left an area of redness on the left side of the Crossing Guard’s face.  The Crossing Guard indicated she was calling police, resulting in Wenzel entering her vehicle and driving away.

Wenzel was later located a short time later and positively identified by her Maryland Driver’s License.  Continued investigation indicates Wenzel came to the school to pick up her boyfriend.  She attempted to stop the Crossing Guard from taking a photograph of her car, and a struggle over the phone ensued.

“Behavior like this will not be tolerated,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis. “Our Crossing Guards have the sacred responsibility of protecting our children and they don’t deserve to be subjected to assaults and threats by arrogant and impatient drivers.”

On Friday, May 30, 2014, an arrest warrant was issued charging Brittany Anne Wenzel with attempted robbery two counts of second degree assault, attempted theft under $1000 and the following traffic offenses that occurred on May 27, 2014:

• §21-107 (c) Willfully Disobeying Direction of a School Crossing Guard
• §21-502 (a2) Driver Failure to Stop for Pedestrian in Crosswalk
• §21-504 (b) Driver Failing to Sound Horn Warning to Pedestrian

Suspect:  Brittany Anne Wenzel, 18, 200 block of Inlet Drive, Pasadena, Maryland 21122

Source: AACoPD