Author: eastbaltco

Marks Gives Update on Joppa Road and Other Projects

-by Councilman David Marks-

Thank you to all those motorists who have patiently accommodated the work on Joppa Road in Perry Hall. The two-mile project will improve Joppa Road from Belair to Magledt Roads. It should be finished this month.

Plans also call for improvements to Joppa Road in the Parkville area. The State Highway Administration will also be expanding and upgrading the intersection at Harford Road.

When I met with County Executive Olszewski right after his election, improving the sorry state of our corridors was my top priority. Our corridors carry most traffic, and with his support, we are making progress. The following corridors have been improved over the past five years: Bosley Avenue, Chapel Road, Forge Road, Hines Road, Klausmier Road, Stevenson Lane, Towsontown Boulevard, and a large section of Kenilworth Drive.

My hope is that we can focus next on Honeygo Boulevard, Oakleigh Road, Waltham Woods Road, and some of our long-neglected local streets.

Police Identify Pedestrian Involved in Aug. 14th Fatal Crash

Just before 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 14 , Baltimore County Police responded to the intersection of Philadelphia Road and New Forge Road, 21162 for a pedestrian-involved crash. Investigation determined that a 2005 Buick was traveling eastbound on Philadelphia Road when the car struck the pedestrian who was walking against the flow of traffic in the middle of Philadelphia Road.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced deceased. She has been identified as Adrianne Bacardi Dietrich, 35, with an unknown last address. The Driver remained at the scene. Crash officers are continuing their investigation at this time.

Missing Autistic Child Found by Police Has Died

A missing 6-year-old girl in Dundalk found by Baltimore County Police officers has died.

Officers responded to the 7900 block of Stratman Road at 3:52 p.m. on Aug. 9 for a report of a missing non-verbal autistic child. All available resources were deployed to the area to search for the child, including all available patrol units, aviation, K-9, and the Marine Unit.

At 4:53 p.m. an officer out on foot searching the wood line on Merritt Avenue behind Merritt Park Baptist Church located the girl in a small stream in cardiac arrest. Medics were called to the scene while the officer began CPR. The child was transported to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center where she was pronounced deceased at 5:50 p.m.

The Baltimore County Police Homicide Unit is conducting a routine investigation into this incident as it does with all juvenile deaths.

Rent-A-Center Burglars’ Identity Sought in Parkville

Baltimore County Police are asking for help identifying these two suspects involved in a burglary at Rent-A-Center in Parkville.

Surveillance video from the Parkway Crossing Shopping Center depicts these two suspects walking past stores and trying the door handles. The door of the Rent-A-Center came open, so the male suspect entered and stole a display television set out of the front window.

Police believe these suspects may live in the neighborhood surrounding the shopping center and are asking anyone who recognizes them to contact Baltimore County Police Burglary detectives by calling 410-307-2020 with information. Callers may remain anonymous.

Former Pastor at Calvary Baptist Charged in Sexual Assault of Child

Baltimore County Police have charged Cameron Shane Giovanelli, former pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk, with a number of sexual assault charges stemming from a case involving a then 17-year-old student. Police believe there may be other victims and are hoping they will have the courage to come forward. 

Giovanelli (42) now residing in Orange Park, Florida, is charged with the sexual abuse of a minor, perverted practice, and 4th degree sexual offense stemming from illegal sexual contact he had with a student at the school between January and August of 2007. The abuse of the student began with unsolicited kissing and progressed, taking place nearly daily either within the school offices on church property or at other off-property locations.

An investigation was opened in May of 2018 when the victim reported the abuse to police. The completed investigation was submitted to the Office of the State’s Attorney at which time the decision was made to charge Giovanelli. An arrest warrant was obtained and served on Monday when Giovanelli voluntarily turned himself in to police on Tuesday. He was released on his own recognizance at an initial bail hearing under the condition that he have no contact with any minor.

Current Calvary pastor the Rev. Stacey Shiflett released a statement about Giovanelli.

“Last year, we became aware of accusations that Cameron Giovanelli sexually abused a teenager. We immediately reached out to the victim and did everything within our power to help law enforcement with their investigation,” Shiflett said.

“Today, we received word that, among other charges, Cameron Giovanelli was arrested and charged with Felony Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Sexual abuse has no place within the church, nor do those who cover or ignore sexual abuse. The people of Calvary Baptist Church stand by the victim and join her in profound gratitude that Cameron Giovanelli will face justice.”

Baltimore County Police said based on the information provided by the victim, it is likely there are additional victims who were abused by Giovanelli during his time as pastor at the church and school located in the 7300 block of Manchester Road. Giovanelli was pastor there from 2003 through 2014.

Anyone who may have additional information or was victimized by Giovanelli is encouraged to contact detectives from the Baltimore County Police Crimes Against Children Unit by calling 410-853-3650.

Perry Hall Lacrosse Senior Heading to Wilmington

Perry Hall High School announced that one of its star players on the Boy’s Lacrosse team is play at Wilmington University in Delaware after the 2020 season.

Midfielder Chris Peacock will begin his senior season next month and is preparing to Wilmington after he graduates from Perry Hall in 2020.

“We are so proud of Chris and all the hard work he has put in over the past few years,” said a statement of the Perry Hall High School Men’s Lacrosse page. “

Chris is a team first guy and excellent two-way midfielder who will bring alot of strength to that up and coming program.”

Community invited to BCPSfest at White Marsh Mall

Join Baltimore County Public Schools at a free outdoor festival to celebrate the upcoming 2019-2020 school year at the White Marsh Boscovs on Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Some of the feature entertainment for BCPS includes:

  • Southwest Academy Marching Tigers
  • Performers from Stages Music Arts in Cockeysville 
  • Dancers from Shady Spring Elementary 
  • Eastern Tech Varsity Cheer 
  • Perry Hall High singers 
  • Trainer from Planet Fitness 

Come see the BCPS exciting Mobile Innovation Lab. Get up close and personal with an antique fire engine. Learn more about supporting student success. Test your dancing skills. Let the experts give you dental advice and a free toothbrush.

Find a great book to read on the county library’s Bookmobile. Take home a free book from the First Financial Federal Credit Union. Discover BCPS and community programs and services. Be entertained by talented BCPS students. Meet a princess or king from Medieval Times. Try your hand at robotics or launching a straw rocket. Practice your jump roping skills and take home a jump rope.

Meet Buster the Bus. Explore job opportunities with BCPS. This event is sponsored by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools and coordinated by the BCPS Department of Communications and Community Outreach.

Here is the growing list of BCPSfest vendors and entertainers.

From the community

  • AAA Mid-Atlantic
  • Adventure Dental, Vision, and Ortho
  • Baltimore County Public Library Bookmobile
  • Boy Scouts of America Sea Scout Ship and Maritime Explorer Club
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Colgate-Palmolive Dental Van –dental screening, free toothbrushes
  • Community College of Baltimore County (Essex) –information about early college and other programs
  • The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools – information about support for teachers
  • Fire Museum of Maryland –bringing antique 1949 Mack fire engine
  • First Financial Federal Credit Union –book giveaway and reading nook
  • Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum
  • Gunpowder Valley Conservancy
  • iFly
  • Maryland 529 –information about saving for college
  • Maryland Association of School Health Nurses – health information, spin to win
  • Medieval Times –bringing a princess or king
  • Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education
  • Patient First –medical information, giveaways
  • RSVP – Retired Senior Volunteer Program –volunteer opps for seniors and schools
  • State Highway Administration
  • Kona Ice

From BCPS

  • Career and Technical Education – robotics
  • College and Career Readiness –goal-setting, picture booth
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages
  • English Language Arts 
  • Food and Nutrition Services –answering questions about school meals
  • Health and Physical Education – jumping rope/ jump rope giveaway
  • Home and Hospital
  • Magnet Programs –information about application process, options
  • Mathematics –math games
  • Mobile Innovation Lab –LEGO construction, circuitry, computer programming
  • Music and Dance Education– Wheel of Dance, interactive music activity
  • Parentmobile –mobile resource center
  • School Counseling 
  • Science – launching straw rockets
  • Social Studies 
  • Staffing and Recruitment/Human Resources – job opportunities with BCPS
  • Transportation –bringing a school bus and Buster the Bus
  • Visual Arts –printmaking bookmarks

National Night Out Events Photos

There were National Night Out Events (NNO) all over eastern Baltimore County and all over the county, state and country on Tuesday as NNO is a night where communities come together to stand up to crime. Some of the events were held in the rain as a storm pasted though the region Tuesday night. Here are some photos from Councilman David Marks (R-5) and Councilwoman Cathy Bevins (D-6) social media pages.

” Tonight was National Night Out, and I was fortunate to attend five of the six events in the Fifth District. Many thanks to the volunteers in Dunfield, Seven Courts, Perring Park, Campus Hills and Magnolia Acres who welcomed me and work with our police to keep their neighborhoods safe,” Mark said in his visits around the area.

Bevins also attended many NNOs in her district, including the inaugural event for Overlea Community Association.

” Another successful National Night Out across the 6th district! I was able to attend four awesome communities that work tirelessly with law enforcement and COP volunteers,” Bevins said.

  • Councilman David Marks and members of the Seven Courts community came together for National Night Out
  • The Perring Park community was treated a visit from Kona Ice for NNO. -Photo courtesy of Councilman David Marks_
  • Lindover held their NNO at Terrace Drive and Linover Park Terrace Drive and Linover Park -Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Cathy Bevins_
  • Resident of Hazelwood still had their NNO event out in the rain -photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bevin’s Facebook page_
  • National Night Out at the Overlea Community Association -photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bevin’s Facebook page-
  • Councilwoman Cathy Bevins visits Garden Village Association National Night Out -photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bevin’s Facebook page_

Burglar Steals Minnie Mouse Backpack, Child Wants it Back

This suspect was caught on a doorbell camera as he left a home in Parkville wearing a little girl’s Minnie Mouse backpack he stole from the home. She wants it back, and is hoping you can help her identify the burglar who stole it.

This burglar is believed to be connected to at least four residential burglaries since mid-May, targeting homes in the Hillendale and Harford Park communities in Precinct 6 (Towson) and Precinct 8 (Parkville).

Detectives have recovered surveillance video of the suspect during his travels to and from one of the burglaries in the 1700 block of Ryewood Road in Parkville on May 16, during which he stole the backpack. He is seen walking from the lower end of Solar Circle, on Hillsway Avenue, up the stairs leading to Sindall Road, and then onto Ryewood Road around 9 a.m. He entered the victim’s property by jumping over a rear fence and checking the rear door first. When it didn’t open he attempted to pry a window open but saw the exterior video surveillance camera and disabled it. He isn’t seen again until he is caught on the doorbell camera (watch here) exiting through the front door around 9:36 a.m. with the child’s Minnie Mouse backpack filled with valuables from the home, including her piggy bank. He follows the same path back to Solar Circle.

Similar type burglaries have occurred on Sindall Road and Wycliffe Road in May and June.

Detectives believe this burglar may be a resident at Northbrooke Township Apartments or a nearby neighborhood. If you think you recognize this suspect or you find images of this burglar on your own home surveillance system, or if you’ve seen someone with this girl’s backpack, call detectives from the Baltimore County Police Burglary Unit and help us return it to her: 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous.

Police Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Crash in Dundalk

Baltimore County Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian in Dundalk on Saturday, Aug. 3.

The woman, identified as Susan Marie Penix (49) of the 7800 block of Harold Road, was walking in the alley behind her home when she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene around 9:47 a.m.

Penix was able to get back to her home where her roommate called 9-1-1. She was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center where she later died.

The Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team is conducting the investigation into this incident and is asking anyone who may have information to call 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.