Author: eastbaltco

County Confirms Its First Pediatric Death From COVID-19


A 15-year-old Baltimore County resident has died after being infected by COVID-19, the first pediatric death in the County associated with the virus. The individual had symptoms of an inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection that has been documented in children in New York and other locations.

“Any loss of life from this virus is tragic, but the loss of a child is devastating. Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of this young person,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “This is a stark reminder that this virus spares no one, and that we all must remain vigilant in our efforts to stay home, socially distance, and limit the spread of this deadly disease.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is real, it is here, and it is lethal,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. “Our children and our most vulnerable residents need all of us to do our part to safeguard them from this unrelenting adversary.”

As of May 19, 2020, the number of Baltimore County residents confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus is 4,920. The number of confirmed deaths from the virus is 247 with an additional 16 deaths believed to be virus-related.

County residents are strongly encouraged to stay home whenever possible. If they must go out, individuals should wear masks or face coverings in public places and continue to maintain six feet of distance from other people.

More information about the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at www.BaltimoreCountyMD.gov/Coronavirus.

State Police Looking for Suspect After Rosedale Man Found Dead


Maryland State Police and deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a wanted fugitive as the investigation continues into the murder of a Rosedale man who was found dead in Dorchester County.

The wanted fugitive is identified as James Andre Reddick, Jr., 29, of Baltimore. Police believe he also goes by Shane or Dre’. Reddick is wanted for first degree murder among other criminal charges. Reddick is also wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Reddick is an African American man. He is 6’1”, 165 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. He is known to frequent York, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland. Reddick is considered armed and dangerous.

The victim is identified as Deontae Vilada Belcher, 25, of Rosedale. Belcher was found deceased in a wooded area in Dorchester County on May 1, 2020. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause and manner of death as homicide by gunshot wounds.

Shortly before 12:00 noon on Friday, May 1, 2020, deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office responded to 9-1-1 calls reporting the body of the deceased victim, lying along a power line trail alongside Horns Point Road in Cambridge. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was requested to respond and take the lead in the investigation.

Upon their arrival, investigators found the decomposed body of the victim, later identified as Belcher, the subject of a missing person’s report. Evidence found at the scene indicated Belcher had sustained at least one gunshot wound.

Police learned Belcher was last seen on April 11 getting into a four door sedan with two other people. His mother had reported him missing to the Baltimore County Police Department on April 18.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is the lead in this investigation. Additional assistance is being provided by Criminal Enforcement Division Upper Shore investigators, the Maryland State Apprehension Team, deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Baltimore County Police Department and the Dorchester County State’s Attorney’s Office. Maryland State Police crime scene technicians processed evidence found at the scene.

Suspect Dies After Police-Involved Shooting in Essex


The suspect involved in an officer-involved shooting in Essex last night has died.

The suspect is identified as Robert Johnson Jr (29) of the unit block of Championship Court, 21117.

The first-arriving officer encountered Johnson in the parking lot of Skipjack Court after responding to a call for a nuisance. The preliminary investigation reveals that the officer made contact with Johnson, who exited the vehicle armed with a gun.

A second injured subject remains hospitalized with an apparent non-life-threatening injury.

Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The officer, who will be named at a later time, has been placed on routine administrative leave.

Rossville Man Fatally Shot Outside His Home Saturday Night


Police are investigating a deadly shooting at Eagles Walk Apartments Saturday night.

Police were called to the unit block of Leatherwood Place in Rossville just after 9 p.m. for a call of a shooting.

The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim, identified as Lamont Taylor (33) of the unit block of Leatherwood Place, was arriving home when he was approached and shot by the suspect, who fled the scene. Taylor was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding this fatal shooting. Anyone who may have heard or seen anything, or who has any additional information, is asked to contact detectives by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Essex


Detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Essex last night that injured two people.

Officers were dispatched to a call for a nuisance at 10:42 p.m involving a crowd of people in the parking lot in the unit block of Skipjack Court in Essex.

The first arriving officer was confronted with an armed suspect and discharged his weapon.

Two subjects suffered gunshot wounds. The suspect was transported to an area hospital with life threatening wounds. A second subject suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital with apparent non-life threatening injuries.

Homicide detectives were on scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including reviewing body worn camera video.

Crandell Seeks Vote to Overturn County’s Executive Order


Seventh District Councilman Todd Crandell stated that he wanted to take action after Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. issued an executive order on Thursday.

Olszewski’s order calls for all in-person religious institutions and personal services establishments (barbershops, nail salons and hair salons) to remain closed as a result of COVID-19. The Executive Order is a continuation of Gov. Larry Hogan’s statewide executive order and Hogan allowed local jurisdictions to continue the order at their discretion.

Crandell created emergency county council legislation that would overrule Olszewski’s decision to continue that order.

“I began the process of drafting legislation and convening a County Council Emergency Legislative Session to vote on that legislation. The legislation revokes the County Executive’s emergency authority to restrict, among other things, religious worship,” Crandell said in a statement on Friday.

“Council members will be requested by our Secretary to convene the emergency session as early as [Friday]. As this is happening very quickly, the emergency legislative session is currently unscheduled. I will update as information becomes available.”

Crandell reported on Saturday that he was not able to gather all of his six other council colleagues for meeting and/or vote.

“The Council did not meet yesterday in Emergency Session to vote on the Resolution that would repeal and revoke the County Executive’s State of Emergency powers. Councilmen [5th District] David Marks and [3rd District] Wade Kach have committed to the session. An attempt to convene the Council later today, with four different options on the time, was made this morning, but has been declined,” Crandell reported.

“This leaves some churches in an awful situation – adhere to the County Executive’s Order or defy it and exercise their Constitutional right to worship.”

Crandell, along with Marks, have publicly stated that they were never consulted by the County Executive’s office about the Executive Order for Baltimore County. Marks released a statement after the announcement of the executive order was on Thursday.

“I have always approached my job in a spirit of collaboration and bipartisanship. It is difficult for me to rationalize any announcements when the legislative branch is not consulted,” Marks stated.

Police Seeking Information on Friday Overlea Shooting


Police responded to the 6200 block of Radecke Avenue in Overlea just after 2 a.m. Friday for a shooting.

Upon arrival police discovered a 28-year-old man lying in the back yard suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The man was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

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

ATV and Dirt Bike Thefts Reported in Dundalk & Middle River


Baltimore County Police are investigating after several all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes were stolen in the Dundalk and Middle River areas.

Sometime between April 14 and May 1, storage facilities in the 3000 block of Eastern Boulevard in Middle River and the 2600 block of North Point Boulevard in Dundalk were burglarized during overnight hours. Several suspects damaged and removed locks off of the storage units and stole ten ATVs and dirt bikes.

Detectives remind the public about basic crime prevention tips to reduce your chances of being a victim.

Baltimore County Announces Updated COVID Social Regulations


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced actions to protect residents and communities and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

“Jurisdictions like Baltimore County must do what’s in the best interest of our communities with the health and safety of our residents at the top of that list,” Olszewski said. “After examining the available data and consulting with our public health team, it’s clear that we are not yet in a position to safely move toward a significant reopening.”

County Executive Olszewski will issue an executive order tomorrow stating that effective Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m., Baltimore County will take the following actions:

Prohibition of 10 or More Extended
County Executive Olszewski’s executive action to prohibit gatherings or events to 10 or more people at all locations and venues will remain in place.

Retail Stores Curbside Pickup
County Executive Olszewski announced that retail stores that were previously closed in Baltimore County may reopen for curbside pickup and delivery only. There will be no in-store retail permitted aside from those retail establishments already considered essential. Shopping malls must continue to stay closed. All public health precautions should remain in place during pickup and delivery.

Remaining Manufacturing to Reopen
Under Maryland’s previous orders, the vast majority of manufacturing firms in Baltimore County were considered essential and remained open. Beginning Friday at 5 p.m., the remaining manufacturing operations—most of them small businesses—may resume operations in a safe manner which protects the health of employees, with guidelines encouraging multiple shifts and other safety precautions.

In-Person Religious Institutions Remain Closed
Until further notice, religious institutions may not begin holding worship services and ceremonies indoors. The restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people remains in place—and those restrictions will continue to apply to religious gatherings.

Personal Services Remain Closed
Until further notice, all personal services establishments, including barbershops, nail salons, and hair salons, must remain closed.

Residents Should Continue to Stay Home
Residents and visitors to Baltimore County should continue to stay at home unless they are traveling to work or medical appointments, shopping for groceries or picking up other retail goods, or traveling to outdoor recreational opportunities. Older and more vulnerable residents are strongly advised to continue staying home as much as possible.

Residents and visitors should practice safe physical distancing and wear masks in public, and frequently wash their hands and sanitize high-touch areas.

Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so.

Police Investigating Wednesday Shooting in Middle River


Baltimore County Police are on the scene of a shooting in Middle River last night.

Officers responded to the 9800 block of Langs Road in Middle River at 8:52 p.m. after neighbors heard shots fired. The victim, an adult man, flagged down a pedestrian on Sopwith Drive to get help. He was transported to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit are continuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with information should call 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.