Author: eastbaltco

Nottingham Man Killed in I-95 Catonsville Accident


Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Tuesday morning in Baltimore County.

Shortly before 1:25 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack responded to Interstate 95 North south of I-195 for a report of a single-vehicle crash that involved a pedestrian.

According to a preliminary investigation, the driver of a Mercedes sedan was traveling north on I-95 when he felt something strike the left side of his vehicle.

After coming to a complete stop, the driver saw a body lying on the left shoulder. The victim, identified as Joel Hopkins, 34, of Nottingham, was transported by ambulance by EMS personnel from the Baltimore County Fire Department to St. Agnes Hospital, where he was declared deceased.

According to a preliminary investigation, there is no indication that drugs, alcohol and/or speeding was a factor in this crash. It is also currently unclear why the victim was on the interstate at the time of the crash. The only vehicle at the scene was the Mercedes that struck the victim.

The crash remains under investigation.

Perry Hall Rec. Founder Jerry Soukup Dies


A Perry Hall icon has died. Jerry Soukup, who has dedicated his life to sports and rec in Perry Hall has passed at the age of 91.

Soukup founded the Perry Hall Rec. Council in 1955 and served as its first president until 1988. Soukup – along with his wife Pat, who proceded him in death- raised $1.5 million in funds to pay for half of a sport arena on Joppa Road. The arena was named Soukup Arena after Jerry and Pat.

Councilman David Marks, who is a friend of Soukup, released a statement on his passing.

“I am so sorry to pass along the news of the passing of Gerald Soukup, a towering figure in Perry Hall’s recent history – although one who did so much of his work modestly, behind the scenes. Jerry Soukup helped found the Perry Hall Recreation Council in 1955. For decades, he and his wife Pat raised money from concession stand sales and events for a gymnasium to house the organization’s sports leagues. That gym opened in 2015 and was named in their honor,” Marks said in a statement.

“We have lost so many of the local leaders who guided Perry Hall during the postwar years. Jerry’s service began when Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House and continued to the present. On behalf of all whose lives he touched, we thank him. My prayers are with his family and many friends.”

Joe Butta, who is a volunteer at Perry Hall Rec., said Soukup is responsible for the success of today’s Perry Hall program.

“For everyone that has played ANY sport in the Perry Hall rec area you have this man to thank. Mr. Jerry Soukup passed away today. He founded the rec office here and watched it grow into something special,” Butta said in a social media post.
“I’ve had the honor of working for him and with him for the past seven years and he truly was Mr Perry Hall!”

Police Arrest Man in Sunday Afternoon Middle River Stabbing


Police arrested a suspect in the afternoon home-invasion robbery and stabbing of a man in Middle River on Sunday, Feb. 2.

The suspect knocked on the door of a home in the unit block of Oakgrove Drive in Middle River shortly after 1 p.m. When a female resident answered the door he displayed a handgun and a knife, entered, and demanded cash and personal items. The suspect struck the woman with the gun and forced her into a closet, then stabbed a male victim and fled the location on foot. The suspect later threatened his girlfriend with the gun.

The victim suffered life-threatening wounds but is expected to survive. Detectives learned that the suspect frequented the area and were able to locate him and take him into custody shortly after 5 a.m. this morning. The suspect is identified as Reginald Louis Barber Jr (29) of the unit block of Oakroad Drive, 21220. He is held on denied bail status at the Baltimore County Detention Center, charged with attempted first degree murder, three counts each of first and second degree assault, and two counts of misdemeanor theft.

Sheriff’s Office Employee and Fullerton Man Indicted on 2nd Degree Rape Charge


A Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office employee has been indicted by a Grand Jury on one count of second degree rape.

Baltimore County Police initiated an investigation after being notified of the allegation of a sexual assault on November 30, 2018. The investigation was conducted in consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney for Carroll County after the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County recused itself from the case due to the close working relationship between both agencies.
The Grand Jury indictment is sealed, prohibiting details of the case from being released at this time.

A warrant was issued on Jan. 27, at which time the sheriff, identified as Morton Stanley Winkler Jr (54) of the 7700 block of Jennelles Way in Fullerton, was taken into custody. He was released on his own recognizance following a bail review hearing.

The Baltimore County Police Department encourages anyone who had inappropriate contact by Winkler to contact the BCoPD Special Victims Unit at 410-887-2223. We also encourage contacting any sexual assault hotline or advocacy group to seek support and victim resources.

Justin Berk Visits Dundalk School


Meteorologist Justin Berk visited Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School in Dundalk on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Berk was known as the meteorologist on WMAR-TV and now has a website called www.justinweather.com where he still forecast the weather

Berk gave students a crash course in weather forecasts at the school. Despite having limited snow in the Baltimore area, Berk told OLHSL students that he is hopefully that there will be snow in the forecast for February.

“I saw the word ‘Faith’ painted on the walls here, so if Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School has Faith in the (February) Flakes, then it might bring more people on board,” Berk said on social media about his visit. “Thank you for inviting me in to spend the afternoon with your students. STEM is always awesome, but with winter weather it’s extra cool”

This week is Catholic Schools Week and today was “Student Day” at the school.

“Thank you Justin Berk, Meteorologist for visiting our School and celebrating Student Day with us,” said an OLHSL post on the school’s Facebook page. “We certainly have Faith that we will see Flakes this February.”

BCPS to Open Schools on Presidents’ Day


The Maryland State Board of Education has approved a request from Baltimore County Public Schools to make Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17, 2020) a regular school day, with all schools and offices open.

This change is in accordance with the 2019-2020 school calendar, and the planned use of emergency closure make-up days. Opening schools on February 17, 2020 will make up for the school system’s emergency closure of schools on December 16, 2019.

BCPS announced their plan to open schools on Presidents Day a few weeks ago to make up a snow day on Dec. 16 but it was not official until now with state approval.

Dundalk Officer Injured After Driver Strikes Police Car


A Baltimore County Police officer from the Dundalk Precinct was injured last night after his police vehicle was struck by another driver on Sollers Point Road.

The officer was northbound on Sollers Point Road at 9:58 p.m. on Jan. 27 when a Chevrolet Aveo, also traveling northbound to the rear of the police vehicle but in the southbound travel lane, struck the police vehicle as it was making a left turn onto Waymouth Way, pushing the police car back across the northbound lane and into a driveway where it struck two parked cars. The Chevrolet continued forward on Sollers Point Road, crossing over the southbound lane and striking a tree.

The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Chevrolet also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team is continuing the investigation to determine what factors contributed to this crash.

Man Found Dead After Double Shooting in Essex


A double shooting in Essex left one man dead.

On Jan. 24 around 5:11 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Holgate Drive for a shooting. Arriving officers found two adult men outside a home who were both suffering gunshot wounds. Medics responded and transported one man to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The second man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deceased man has been identified as David Leroy King, 29, of the 2100 block of Westfield Road.

Baltimore County Homicide Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information should contact the Baltimore County Police Homicide Unit by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Perry Hall Soccer Honored by Maryland General Assembly


The Perry Hall Girls Soccer team was honored in Annapolis at the Maryland General Assembly for winning back to back state titles.

Since the Perry Hall School districts covers both the 7th & 8th Legilative Districts, the team and their coach Coach Matt Smoot were invited to the General Assembly by all legislators in those two districts.

Photos are courtesy of Perry Hall High School Girls Soccer Facebook page

Water Main Break Reported in Colgate area of Dundalk


The Baltimore City Department of Public Works reported a water main break near the intersection of North Point Road/ Kane Street in the Colgate area of Dundalk.

It has been reported as a 16-inch main and is currently affecting 25 businesses in the area. DPW stated that this will impact water service in areas bounded by North Point Road, Baltimore Street, German Hill Road and Markel Ave.

The above map shows the area impacted. DPW is ask customers to please be patient as they make their way to those neighborhoods.

During the winter season when the area goes through freeze and thaw cycles, especially when accompanied by heavy rain, the ground shifts and the pipes can break. Often as mains are repaired, others break, and they can be miles away.

DPW said crews and contractors actively monitor the number of new service requests and monitor weather conditions for inclement weather and their staff is working overtime to make sure the customers are without water for the shortest amount of time possible.