Baltimore County Celebrates 146th Year of Police Department


Today marks the 146th anniversary of the Baltimore County Police Department. Established by the Maryland legislature on April 11, 1874, the Department has evolved into the 21st largest police agency in the United States.

The Maryland Legislature approved what became Chapter 374 of the Laws of Maryland, authorizing the Baltimore County Commissioners to “appoint such number of policemen as they may deem advisable…,” that number not to exceed thirty officers. Starting pay was two dollars per day, with the exception of mounted police officers, who received three dollars per day but had to supply and sustain their own horse and riding equipment. They were expected to work seven days a week until 1912 when officers were finally given 12 days off per year. There was no formal training for police officers until 1939 when a one week training program was instituted. According to historical census data from the Maryland State Department of Planning the population of Baltimore County was around 25,000 in 1870.

Today, Baltimore County Police Department is the 21st largest police department in the nation, with more than 1900 sworn officers serving a population of over 828,000 and growing (per 2018 estimated census data). Starting pay for a sworn officer today is $54,037. Officers must pass a rigorous 27-week training program. They’ve also been given a few additional days off since its inception.

In recognition of the Department’s anniversary, and in an effort to memorialize all of the changes that policing and the Department have undergone, the Department worked on an Anniversary Yearbook which was published earlier this year.

Police Investigating a Friday Double Shooting In Essex


Baltimore County Police are investigating a double shooting in Essex this afternoon.

Police responded to the intersection of Norris Lane and Torner Road in Essex at 12:13 p.m. for a shooting. The initial investigation determined that two men were shot and transported to local hospitals by medics. The ages and condition of the victims are unconfirmed at this time. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival.

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.

Police Make Arrest in Third Parkville Carjacking Case Since April


On April 7 at 7:24 p.m., police responded to the 1300 block of Mantle Street for another carjacking in Parkville.

The initial investigation determined two suspects walked up to the victim, who just parked his car, and asked for directions. When the victim pulled out his cell phone, the suspects grabbed the phone, demanded money and took his keys. They stole his vehicle and fled the scene.

On April 8 at 1:27 a.m., members of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, while looking for the stolen vehicle, located it after it crashed in Baltimore City. The suspects fled the vehicle and were arrested by police after a brief foot pursuit.

Kevon Darrell Saunders (18) of the 1500 block of East Lanvale Street in Baltimore City was arrested and charged with robbery, carjacking and various other charges. Saunders is held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status pending a bail review.

An 11-year-old female from Baltimore, a relative of Saunders, was also arrested and charged with felony offenses. She was released by the Department of Juvenile Services into the custody of a guardian

This was the third reported carjacking in the 21234 zip code by Baltimore County Police in the first week of April. A carjacking was reported on April 6 in the 8400 block of Greenway Road in Parkville and another carjacking took place at the Royal Farms store in the 2700 block of Taylor Avenue on April 4.

Police Makes Second Arrest in Comet Court Murder


Baltimore County Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the Feb. 25 homicide of Anthony Laron Richardson Jr.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant on Monday for Curtis Ray Carradine Jr. (23) of the 4100 block of Kinsway Street in Overlea. He was arrested Tuesday and was charged with first degree murder. Carradine is held on a no bail status pending a bail review at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

The investigation into the homicide has determined that Carradine and Michael Kevin Richardson (no relation to Anthony Richardson Jr.), previously charged, targeted the victim, who was shot and killed on Comet Court in Paekville Feb. 25.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Baltimore County Police Department Homicide Unit at 410-307-2020.

Baltimore City Resident Arrested in Parkville Carjacking


Baltimore County Police arrested a man responsible for an armed carjacking in the 8400 block of Greenway Road in Parkville.

Police responded to the location for an armed robbery on Monday, April 6 at 8:36 p.m. The initial investigation revealed that three suspects armed with a weapon demanded the victim’s money and robbed him. The suspects tried to steal the victim’s vehicle but they were unable to operate it.

Detectives arrested Elijah Crichlow (18) of the 1700 block of Ramblewood Road of Baltimore City. He is charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking and various other charges. He is held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status pending a bail review hearing.

Police added that detectives continue to look for two more suspects. One suspect is described as a black male, 18-25 years old, approximately 6’2, 215 pounds, wearing a black jacket and black pants. The second suspect is described as a white male, 18-25 years old, approximately 5’10, 195 pounds, wearing a black jacket and black pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Baltimore County Police Department Towson Investigative Services Team at 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous.

This is the second reported carjacking by Baltimore County Police a three-day period in Parkville. Another carjacking was reported at the Royal Farms on Taylor Avenue on Saturday.

Police Arrest Teens in Parkville Royal Farms Carjacking


Baltimore County Police reported they have arrested two suspects who carjacked a man in Parkville on Saturday, April 4.

Police responded to a carjacking at the Royal Farms store in the 2700 block of Taylor Avenue on Saturday around 3:28 p.m. The investigation revealed that two suspects, armed with a weapon, robbed the victim as he entered his car. Afterwards, they stole his vehicle.

Members of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, Baltimore County Police Aviation and patrol located the victim’s vehicle in Baltimore City. A 14-year-old and 15-year-old, both from Baltimore, were arrested and charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking and various other charges. They have been released to the custody of their guardians.

Rosedale Woman Dies in Pulaski Highway Crash


Police are investigating a fatal crash on Pulaski Highway in White Marsh Tuesday night.

The preliminary investigation revealed that around 10:37 p.m. a woman attempted to cross Pulaski Highway near Batavia Farm Road when she was struck by a BMW. The pedestrian is identified as Jennifer Lynn Armentrout (43) of the 8200 block of Pulaski Highway in Rosedale. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team is working to determined all of the factors involved in this fatal crash. The driver of the BMW did remain at the scene of the crash.

Maryland State Police Clarify Stay-at-Home Order


Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Woodrow Jones III has directed troopers to continue their public education and enforcement efforts regarding the Governor’s Executive Orders and last night issued specific instructions regarding the stay-at-home order. Those instructions are as follows:

– Enforcement of the expanded Governor’s Executive Order will be conducted by Maryland state troopers. However, troopers will not make traffic stops simply to ask drivers where they are going to determine if their travel is essential or not.

– If, in the course of the regular performance of his/her duties, such as during a crash investigation or a traffic stop, the trooper develops information indicating the individual was engaged in non-essential travel, enforcement action can be taken, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office in that jurisdiction.

– While it is not necessary for drivers in Maryland to have documentation about the purpose of travel, having such documentation may help resolve questions.

– Troopers will continue to initiate enforcement action when a business or group of more than 10 people is observed in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order.

– The Order does not prohibit people from going to the store to get groceries or prescriptions, seeking medical attention at an urgent care facility, getting cleaning or laundry supplies. In addition, the Order does not prevent people from going out to get necessities for pets or other livestock.

– The Order allows for travel to care for a family member, friend, pets, etc. Citizens are also permitted to travel for transporting family, friends, pet or livestock for essential health and safety activities.

– The Order also allows for travel to and from an educational institution to receive meals or instructional materials for distance learning.

– The Order allows for outdoor exercise activities (done in accordance to with social distancing guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and crowd gatherings of 10 people or less. However, such actives may not be done at a park that has been closed by state or local government.

– Restaurants can be visited if obtaining food for carry-out or drive-thru only.

Police Arrest Suspect in Overlea Domestic-Related Shooting


Baltimore County Police arrested a man after responding to a domestic-related shooting on Sunday afternoon.

Police responded to the 100 block of Walnut Avenue in Overlea at 3:47 p.m. for a call of a shooting. Detectives determined that the suspect was involved in an altercation with a woman at his home when another man attempted to intervene. The suspect shot the man in the lower body, and was then subdued and disarmed by other people in the home who held him until officers arrived on the scene.

Both the victim and the suspect were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Both are expected to survive.

The suspect, identified as James Thomas Blue (59) of the 100 block of Walnut Avenue, 21206 is charged with attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, and the use of a firearm in a felony. He is held on a no bail status at the Baltimore County Detention Center pending a bail review hearing.