Police Report Airbag Thefts as Latest Trend


Police are investigating a series of airbag thefts in Baltimore County since late June, targeting mostly Honda vehicles.

Since June 26 there has been a general increase in thefts from autos, but specifically airbags. Police have determined that most of the vehicles being targeted are Honda Civics and Honda Accords. The department has experienced thefts of airbags in the Lansdowne area of Precinct 1 Wilkens, the Rodgers Forge area of Precinct 6 Towson, and additional incidents in Precinct 4 Pikesville and Precinct 12 Dundalk.

Most of the thefts are occurring during the overnight hours and involve the suspect breaking out the driver side window of the vehicle and stealing the airbag out of the steering wheel.

Avoid These Thefts

In a number of cases where the suspects did not succeed in stealing an airbag, some type of anti-theft device was used. While most car alarms will not sound if only the glass window is broken out, a sounding alarm has prevented the theft in some instances. In cases where a steering wheel locking device has been used on the car, the thief was not able to steal the airbag. Police are recommending the use of these devices to deter the theft of airbags, and the theft of your vehicle. Make sure that your doors are always locked and try to park in a well lit area.

If you see a vehicle driving through your neighborhood slowly during the overnight hours, safely try to get a description of the vehicle and call 9-1-1 immediately. The sooner you call police, the sooner we are able to respond and are more likely to locate and stop the suspicious vehicle to determine if there is any criminal activity at foot.

If you are the victim of a theft from auto or theft of your airbag, contact police immediately by calling 410-887-2222. Make sure you have your airbag replaced by a dealership or certified repair shop as criminals are known to sell stolen airbags to less reputable auto repair shops.

Bowleys Quarters Residents Killed in Crash


Baltimore County Police investigate a crash that left two dead and one hospitalized on Wednesday afternoon.

On July 23, just after 3 p.m., a 2013 Buick Lacrosse was traveling south on Ebenezer Road near Meyers Lane in White Marsh.

The Buick drove off of the road for unknown reasons and struck a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu and a Baltimore Gas and Electric pole in the 6000 block of Ebenezer Rd. The Chevrolet was parked and unoccupied when the crash occurred.

The driver of the Buick, identified as Shirley Ellsworth (84), and the rear passenger, identified as Leona Schleicher (83), both of the 600 block of Bowleys Quarters Road in Middle River were pronounced deceased at the scene by medics.

The front passenger, an adult male, was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. He is in stable condition.

Investigators from the Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team are asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact police at 410-307-2020.

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Rosedale


Baltimore County Police are asking for help from the public in finding the vehicle that hit a woman and fled the scene early Wednesday morning.

The woman, 39, was on the westbound side of Pulaski Highway just west of Chesaco Avenue in Rosedale around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning when she was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle made no attempt to stop and continued driving in the direction of Baltimore City.

The woman was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

Investigators from the Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team are asking anyone who may have seen any portion of the incident or who may have information regarding this incident to contact police at 410-307-2020.

Overlea High Resource Officer Named SRO of the Year


Officer Danielle Moore, a member of the Baltimore County Police Department since 2012, has been named 2020 Floyd Ledbetter National SRO (School Resource Officer) of the Year by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).

Officer Moore has served as a school resource officer at Overlea High School since 2018.

“Officer Moore has quickly made an impression on Overlea High School’s scholars, families, and staff,” said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “She serves the school community in a way that affirms each student’s potential and promotes a healthy school climate. We are so thankful for her service and so proud of her for earning this national honor.”

According to Overlea High Principal Monica Sample, Officer Moore is the school’s “biggest cheerleader” and someone who “demonstrates commitment, loyalty, empathy, discipline, and diplomacy” and interacts with students “in a positive and restorative manner.”

“Many female scholars,” Sample wrote, “consistently approach Officer Moore for guidance, support, and mentorship with social-emotional issues. She is viewed by many as an honorary mother who represents confidence, optimism, and hope.”

Three of the many ways that Officer Moore contributes to the school culture are by serving as co-coordinator of the female mentoring I.T. Girls of Overlea High School, as a member of the Overlea student support team, and as a member of the Restorative Practices team. According to Sample, Officer Moore has “conducted over 100 restorative conferences,” thereby preventing numerous altercations in the school and community.

“SRO Moore is non-judgmental in her role and gives each scholar endless opportunities and support despite their disciplinary histories,” Sample wrote. “She inspires and gives hope to our scholars that each day is a new day and that our scholars are all capable of being model citizens who will make a great impact on society.”

Mo Canady, executive director of NASRO, said of Officer Moore, “It is apparent that she demonstrates the SRO Triad Concept in serving as a coach and mentor, educator, and law enforcement officer while seeking opportunities to serve her school community. It is our privilege to bestow this honor to one who exemplifies the title of school resource officer so well.”

Officer Moore will receive her award during the Aug. 5 opening ceremonies of the virtual 30th Annual NASRO School Safety Conference.

Serious Crash Reported on Ebenezer Road


The White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company reported fire/rescue units on scene of multi-vehicle crash with rescue in the 5800 block of Ebenezer Road near Vincent Farm Elementary School around 3:30.

This crash happened after a vehicle struck another vehicle and a utility pole. Two people were trapped and three seriously injured.

All occupants were rescued and Maryland State Police Medevac is transporting one person to a trauma center in life-threatening condition.

Ebenezer Road will be closed for crash reconstruction into the evening hours. Motorists are encouraged to use White Marsh Boulevard as an alternative route.

Two Injured in Overlea Shooting Overnight


An early Sunday morning shooting in Overlea injured one adult and a juvenile victim.

Officers were called to the 4900 block of Hazelwood Avenue at 1:29 a.m. for a shooting.

One adult man suffered a gunshot wound to the lower body and a juvenile male victim suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body. Both were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ask anyone who may have additional information to call 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

Man Shot in Parkville Parking Lot Saturday


Baltimore County Police are investigating a robbery and shooting in Parkville Saturday morning.

On July 18, 2020, at 3:30 a.m. officers responded to the 7100 block of Darlington Drive in Parkville for a robbery. The victims said they were on the parking lot of the Dubai Hookah Lounge when two suspects approached them and robbed them.

During the robbery, a suspect shot one of the victims who ran toward a neighborhood and called 911. The shooting victim was transported to a local hospital and has been treated and released. This is an on-going investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information on this crime to contact detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit at 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

Parkville Man Wanted in Towsontown Robbery


Baltimore County detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect wanted in robbing four juveniles as they walked out of Towson Town Center around 6:30 p.m. on July 9. Seneca Rice, 34 years old, from the 1800 block of Wycliffe Road in Parkville is charged with four counts of robbery, one count second-degree assault and various theft charges. He is currently in custody in Baltimore City on unrelated charges. A detainer will be issued until Baltimore City has concluded their investigation.

The July 9 incident occurred as the juveniles walked out of the side entrance of the mall near Fairmount Avenue and were confronted by the suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect had a knife on his belt as he demanded the juveniles’ backpacks and personal items. At one point, the suspect grabbed the back of one of the victims to prevent him from leaving. The suspect used bias slurs towards the victims during the robbery. The victims gave the suspect their personal items and he fled the area.

Detectives were able to interview witnesses and gather evidence that led them to identifying suspect Rice. Detectives shared this information with Baltimore City and they advised he was in custody for an unrelated crime.

This is an ongoing investigation.