Category: 911

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.

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.

Man Arrested in Essex Triple Shooting

Baltimore County Police have charged Corey Daniel Powell (24) of the 1000 block of Foxcroft Lane in Essex with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder in a triple shooting early Saturday, July 27 that left two men dead.

Cameron Stenhouse and Dennis Vasquez died during the shooting early Saturday morning that left a third man injured with a gunshot wound. Detectives determined that the shooting occurred during an illicit drug transaction.

Powell was arrested Tuesday evening and is held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center following a bail review hearing held this afternoon.

National Night Out Events in Eastern Baltimore County

Tuesday, August 6, marks the 36th year of communities around the United States getting together to say crime is not welcome in their neighborhoods. This message is being sent from coast to coast. Our men and women at our military bases are participating, as well as citizens in our U.S. territories. Our friends in Canada will also be participating.

Each celebration will be unique from cookouts to ice cream socials, parades or visits from law enforcement and emergency personnel. All have one thing in common – to keep their community, businesses, and visitors safe and to keep criminals out.

On Tuesday August 6, turn your porch light on and say “NO” to crime.

The following is a list of some of the events that will take place at the various precincts in eastern Baltimore County.

Precinct 8 Parkville

Harford Park Citizens on Patrol
Contact: Ms. Denise Naylor (443-831-3556)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Block party, cookout, Baltimore County Fire Department will be there
Location: Harford Park Community Association building (2522 Linwood Avenue)
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Magnolia Glen Homeowners Association
Contact: Greg Hamilton
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Neighborhood dessert party
Location: Bender Ridge Court
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Perring Park Citizens On Patrol
Contact: Kristen Piscopo (443-823-1738)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Block party with KONA Ice Truck
Location: Harford Hills Road (behind Harford Hills Elementary School)
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

St. Johns Lutheran Church of Parkville
Contact: Pastor Lesley Radius
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team 
Activity: Food, drinks, games and prizes
Location: 8808 Harford Road, 21234
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Seven Courts Citizens On Patrol
Contact: Shawn King
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Neighborhood party
Location: Seven Oaks Senior Center
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Precinct 9 White Marsh

Elmwood Belmar Community Association
Contact: Bill Thomas (410-299-3116)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Picnic, meet and greet
Location: Elmwood Elementary School
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Fontana Village
Contact: Roberta Mosby (410-682-6607)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Faith Based Ceremony and music
Location: Leasing office on Fontana Lane
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Garden Village Association/Citizens On Patrol
Contact: Wannetta Thompson (410-866-9269)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Unit
Activity: Community gathering
Location: Garden Village Community Center, 6011 St. Regis Road
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Hazelwood Park Community Association
Contact: Delroy Tripp
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Community cookout, games
Location: 5615 Daybreak Terrace
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Linover Improvement Association
Contact: Caitlyn Klimm  (president@linover.org)
Officer(s) assigned:Officer Reynolds
Activity: Cookout and block party
Location: Terrace Drive and Linover Park entrance
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Overlea Community Association
Contact: Jessica Loveless
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Community Pot Luck Supper 
Location: National History Society of Maryland (6908 Belair Road)
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Park East Community
Contact: Danielle Folks
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Picnic
Location: Playground on Kelbourne Road
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Precinct 11 Essex

Aero Acres Community Association
Contact: Dennis Gilpin (410-960-0572)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Community picnic
Location: Girls and Boys Club, 1400 Fuselage Avenue
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Henderson-Webb Properties
Contact: Dave Hopp (410-440-7121)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Community picnic
Location: Hartland and Middleborough roads
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Sleepy Hollow Community Association
Contact: Joe McGeeney (443-610-0935)
Officer(s) assigned: Community Outreach Team
Activity: Community picnic
Location: Washington Irving Lane and Van Winkle 
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Precinct 12 North Point

Civic League of Inverness
Contact: Travis 410-274-0216
Officer(s) assigned: Officer Christopher Briggs
Activity: Pot luck
Location: Wise Ave Volunteer Fire Hall (214 Wise Avenue, 21222)
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Gray Manor/Northshire
Contact: Angel Ball (443-676-6929)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer Lindsey Addair
Activity: Texas Roadhouse food/cookout
Location: Gray Manor Park (7607 Parkwood Road, 21222)
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Key Landing Apartments
Contact: Maxine (410-477-8320)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer Christopher Briggs  
Activity: Cookout, pizza, DJ, vendors
Location: Key Landing Leasing Center, Paulette Road
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Norwood Holabird
Contact: Dave Rader (410-285-6617)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer Lindsey Addair  
Activity: Snacks and beverages
Location: Alley behind Manor and Searles roads
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Old Dundalk/Dunlogan
Contact: Becky Terjung (410-627-0249)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer James White
Activity: Food, games and music
Location: Heritage Park  
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

St. Helena Community and Neighborhood Association
Contact: Shirley Gregory (410-633-6077)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer James White
Activity: McGruff the Crime Dog, food, pony rides, face painting, music, games
Location: St Helena Community Center, (6509 Colgate Avenue)
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Turner Station Conservation
Contact: Gloria Nelson (410-302-2903)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer James White
Activity: Cookout, K9 and Aviation units, food, games, music
Location: Sollers Point Community Center (323 Sollers Point Road)
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

West Inverness Community Association
Contact: Susan Rayba (410-477-5373)
Officer(s) assigned: Officer Christopher Briggs  
Activity: Snacks, beverages, music, games, prizes and crime prevention tips
Location: Sandy Plains Elementary School (8330 Kavanagh Road, 21222)
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Triple Shooting in Essex Leaves Two Dead, One Injured

A triple shooting left two men dead, another injured in Essex on July 27.

Police were called to the 1000 block of Foxcroft Lane around 12:25 a.m. where they located one man deceased in front of a home, and another in critical condition. That man was transported to Franklin Square Hospital by medics where he was pronounced deceased.
The two men killed were identified as Cameron Ross Stenhouse (26) of the 1200 block of Four Winds Way in Essex and Dennis Christopher Vasquez (34) of the 9600 block of 10th Avenue in Parkville. A third victim suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. He is expected to survive his wounds.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are investigating to determine the factors surrounding this fatal shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous.

Man Arrested in Kingston Road Shooting

The suspect in the shooting on Kingston Road in Middle River on Monday, July 15 is identified as Marquis Devonn Warren Matthews (42) of the 2100 block of Vailthorn Road of Middle River

Matthews is charged with attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/violent crime. Matthews is held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center pending a bail review hearing.

One man was seriously injured in the shooting on Monday night.

Police responded to a call for a shooting in the 100 block of Kingston Road around 11 p.m. and found a man, 29, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body that caused a life-threatening injury. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment but is expected to survive his wounds.

A suspect who fled the scene following the shooting has been taken into custody. His identity is withheld pending formal charges.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and suspect are acquainted and have had an ongoing personal dispute that culminated in the shooting last night.

The Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit is continuing their investigation into this shooting.

Woman, 74, Dies in Essex Kitchen Fire

A 74-year-old woman died Sunday of injuries sustained in a dwelling fire in Essex.

Lillian Anita Webb was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Baltimore County Fire Department paramedic.

Fire crews were dispatched at 12:24 p.m. to the 1000 block of Foxridge Lane in Essex , after an anonymous caller reported a dwelling fire. A Baltimore County police officer arrived first and saw flames at the rear of the home and smoke coming from the front door.

First-arriving fire crews also encountered flames inside the rear kitchen front door and heavy smoke at the front and rear windows. Fire personnel found the victim on the floor in the kitchen area, about five feet from the rear door, and immediately carried her outside for treatment by EMS personnel.

One firefighter suffered dehydration while fighting the fire and was treated by EMS personnel at the scene.

A cat, located in an adjacent structure, was transported with smoke inhalation by BCoFD to a local animal hospital.

Baltimore County Police fire investigators confirmed that this accidential fire began in the kitchen, at a stovetop burner.