Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Gaywood Assault Suspect Info

From the BCPD I Watch
 
 
Paul Earnest Howard Jr
UPDATE (April 29):
Baltimore County Police have obtained an arrest warrant for 50-year-old Paul Earnest Howard Jr (no fixed address) in connection with the April 26 assault of a 98-year-old woman in her Rodgers Forge home.
Police are asking anyone with information on Paul Earnest Howard Jr or where he might be to call police at 410-307-2020.
Original release (April 28):
Baltimore County Police are investigating an assault on an elderly woman that occurred in her Rodgers Forge home.

On April 26 at 7:46 p.m., the Baltimore County Fire Department responded to a home in the 200 block of Gaywood Road in Rodgers Forge  for a medical alert alarm. Upon arriving at the scene, Fire Department personnel observed an elderly female lying on the floor of the location. After speaking with the female, they called for police to respond.

The initial investigation into this incident has indicated that between noon and 1 p.m., the suspect knocked on the back door to the home. When the 98-year-old victim came to the door, the suspect stated that he was selling home improvement services. The suspect left when the victim told him she had someone who took care of home repairs for her. Several hours later, the suspect returned to the home, knocked on the back door, and asked to come inside. The victim let the suspect into her home. When she asked the suspect when he was going to leave, the suspect threw her to the ground.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 40s with a tan complexion. His skin tone is also described as “weathered” like that of a person who spends a great deal of time outdoors. He is 5’7” to 5’8”, weighs between 170 and 180 pounds and has light brown/gray short hair with a receding hair line. He was last seen wearing cargo shorts and may have tattoos on his arms.
A person matching the suspect’s description has been seen in the area recently.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

Police remind residents to not let people who they do not know into their homes and to report all suspicious activity to police.

RFCOP Crime Report - April 14th - 27th

Man posing as salesman assaults elderly woman in Govans home
GOVANS, Md. —A man posing as a salesman assaulted an elderly woman in her Govans home, Baltimore County police said.
Baltimore County Fire Department crews were called to a home in the 200 block of Gaywood Road in Govans for a medical alert alarm where they saw an elderly woman lying on the floor around 7:45 p.m. Saturday.
After speaking with the woman, officials said fire crews called for police to respond.
Investigators said between noon and 1 p.m. Saturday a man knocked on the back door to the home. When the victim came to the door, the man said he was selling home improvement services. The man left when the victim told him she had someone who took care of home repairs for her. Several hours later, the man returned to the home, knocked on the back door, and asked to come inside. The victim let the man into her home. When she asked the man when he was going to leave, he threw her to the ground, police said.
Police said the assailant is described as a white man in his 40s with a tan complexion. His skin tone is also described as “weathered” like that of a person who spends a great deal of time outdoors. He is 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs between 170 and 180 pounds and has light brown/gray short hair with a receding hair line. He was last seen wearing cargo shorts and may have tattoos on his arms.
Authorities said a person matching that description has been seen in the area recently.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Baltimore County police at 410-307-2020.
Police remind residents to not let people who they do not know into their homes and to report all suspicious activity to police.
-         From wbaltv.com
The suspect is described as follows, police said:
  • White man in his forties
  • Tan complexion with "weathered" skin typical of someone who spends lots of time outdoors
  • Light brown/gray hair, cut short with a receding hairline
  • 5'7" to 5'8" and 170–180 pounds
  • Last seen wearing cargo shorts
  • May have tattoos on his arms
-         From the North Baltimore Patch
Additional  Information on the Attack from an Email received by a neighboring community:
Hi,
I am so sorry to pass on disturbing news, but I wanted to share this information about a crime that occurred in our neighborhood this weekend. Apparently police are also searching the Towson Library area adjacent to West Towson neighborhoods as well, so I wanted to put everyone on alert that a dangerous (and devious) suspect is at large.  (The forwarded email below has more of the details.) 
Our children and neighbors' kids were at the Rodgers Forge Tot Lot and were stopped by police Saturday evening as they searched for the man. The police officer told me and the children that the suspect was wanted for a "Home Invasion." When the kids asked later what that meant, we said it may have been an attempted robbery. The kids do not know about the sexual assault. 
I wanted to share the facts in case news of this was spreading and also to warn you to be on the lookout for this man. Please read below for a neighbor and Gaywood Board member's account of the events, including a recent search in Towson. 
Be safe,
(Attached email)
HI All!
I am sorry to have to send this email, but with this suspect still on the loose, I thought it EXTREMELY important to make as many of you aware of this as possible.

In our community of Gaywood, we have private community property we refer to as the Gaywood Green.  It is always just neighbors because no one knows about it really unless you live here.  It is not visible from any of the streets or even from the alley unless you go into the alley a little ways.

That said, on Saturday late afternoon/early evening, a man was planting flowers and interacting with Gaywood neighbors on the Green.  He said he was here doing some yard work/planting for a neighbor; he inquired of others if he might do some work for them.  He approached several people including a 98-year old woman whose house backs to the Green.  At some point he went into this woman’s yard and knocked on her door to ask for a glass of water.  She let him into her kitchen and gave him a drink.  He apparently spoke for a bit, asking her  age; she asked him his age and he said 50.  She then told him it was time for him to leave.

He disabled her telephone & threw her to the floor to rape her.  Because she is 98 and lives alone and her son lives in Howard Co., she has Life Alert.  Thank God for small miracles because she thankfully, thankfully, thankfully, was able to fight back enough and press her Life Alert button that she wears on her wrist.  When Life Alert called the house and did not get an answer, they immediately dispatched the authorities.  Apparently when you have Life Alert, there is some type of lockbox installed on your house so that authorities don’t have to break your door down to get to you.  The police arrived and came in the front door, thankfully interrupting this assault, and he ran out the back door.  Thank God, she was not raped.  In being thrown to the floor, however, she did break her hip.  There were neighbors out on the Green at this time and saw this person running.  He is a white man with tattoos and is older.  He was shirtless when he fled.

Apparently, a good description has been given, the police have fingerprints, and I’ve been told that in fighting back, she did scratch him so they have some evidence from under her fingernails.

He has NOT been caught yet.

In fact, I just spoke with my mother-in-law a short time ago (who I have already told this info); she works in a dentist’s office on W. Pennsylvania Ave near the library.  The police just came into her office and asked the staff if an older white man with tattoos had come into their office.  My MIL immediately asked if he was referring to the guy who attempted to rape the 98-yr old woman in Gaywood on Saturday.  The officer replied, “Yes.”  He gave no other info.

Please, please pass this on to anyone you know in the area.  And, please, please be vigilant and safe.
B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter Apr 14-20, 2014
(21st through 27th will be included in the next report – as we wanted to get this out ASAP due to the attack)
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive
Sometime between 11:00 p.m. on April 19 and 6:30 p.m. on April 20, unknown suspects entered an apartment and took a laptop computer and jewelry.
Sometime between 10:30 p.m. on April 18 and 9:00 a.m. on April 19, an unknown suspect gained entry to the location through an unlocked rear window. A Vera Bradley backpack, a purse containing a wallet, a watch, and jewelry were taken from the location.
At 2:53 a.m., the suspect gained entry to Excel Car Care by breaking the rear bay door window. The suspect fled when the alarm sounded.
Sometime between 12:01 a.m. and 3:36 p.m., an unknown suspect removed a chainsaw from an unlocked shed.
Sometime between 3:00 p.m. on April 16 and 7:00 a.m. on April 17, an unknown suspect cut the wires to an air conditioner condenser and removed it from the back porch of a home.
At 10:30 p.m., the victim heard a scraping sound coming from the living room window. A screen had possibly been removed from the window and there were fresh finger prints on the window.
At 10:04 p.m., two suspects approached the victims from behind and stated "kick it out". One of the suspects was holding a handgun and the other suspect was holding a knife. The suspects took cell phones from the victims and fled the scene.
At approximately 12:00 a.m. on April 14, an officer responding to the area for a report of a subject breaking into cars observed the suspect coming out of the garage of a home. The suspect was apprehended after a brief foot chase.  The door from the garage into the home was found to be open.
Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road – Week of Apr 14-27, 2014
Case #                  Crime                                               Date     Time                      Address
141040833            Theft - Other                                      4/14        1:36 pm 1xx Dumbarton Road
141070399            Destruction of Property                   4/17        8:59 am  2xx Hopkins Road
141090968            Theft – Other                                     4/19        2:56 pm 64xx Pinehurst Road
141130408            Destruction of Property                   4/23        9:13 am  73xx Yorktowne Drive
141161489            Rape Attempt                                    4/26        7:46 pm 2xx Gaywood Road
141171494            Identity Theft                                     4/27        9:03 pm 70xx Heathfield Road

Thursday, April 24, 2014

March 2014 Approved RFC, Inc Meeting Minutes

Click here to view the minutes

Spring Crime Prevention from BCPD

Snow's all melted, temperatures are climbing finally as we escape the throws of this past Winter and turn to Spring!
 
As we do folks are getting out all their lawn equipment and yard furniture to maintain their yards and enjoy the warmth of Spring and Summer. 
 
Sadly though this seasonal change also brings out those that prey upon us and I'm not talking bees and mosquitoes! No, I'm talking of those Pests amongst us that desire our stuff without asking and not returning!
 
These Criminal Pests aren't out in force yet but with some preventative maintenance maybe we can keep them away as we do the dandelions and beetles from our yards!
 
When finished all your yard work put all your tools back where they belong, behind closed doors and lock those doors! If your yard is fenced in secure the gates at night. Bicycles, toys, other small yard items should be put away at night and secured.  Done driving for the day lock your car up tight and don't leave things like GPS, cellphones, money, wallets, purses lying out in the open in your vehicles.
 
Taking the minute or two necessary to secure your property before turning in for the night will reduce your vulnerability to those undesirables walking our neighborhoods.  The more secure our communities are the less desirable they become to those not welcome in them. So please get the word out to all your family, friends and neighbors to do their part in making our neighborhoods as safe as possible and as always encourage them to call 9-1-1 anytime they see or suspect suspicious or criminal activity occurring around them.
 
Thanks, Sgt Stephen Fink, 2815  PC06 COT

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Dumpster Day May 10th

Mark your calendars, the RFC's annual Dumpster Day is set for May 10th at Rodgers Forge Elementary School's parking lot. The Association will provide dumpsters for community members to unload and bulk trash they've been looking to unload during their spring clean. They will be available from 8am to 12pm.

Prohibited items: Tires, paint, gasoline, explosives,propane tanks.

Televisions may be discarded for a $15.00 cash fee.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

RFCOP Crime Report - March 31st - April 13th

Crime Prevention for Homeowners - Tips During the Warm Weather Months

           from BCPD Web site
 
B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter Mar 31-Apr 13, 2014
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive
Sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 6:16 p.m., an unknown suspect gained entry to an apartment by kicking in the front door. Cash, an X-Box video game system, jewelry, and Tigerfest tickets were taken from the apartment.
At approximately 1:35 a.m., an unknown male suspect was moving around the victim's bedroom window. The suspect threw a rock through the bedroom window and fled the area on foot.
At 11:09 p.m., the victim was making a bank deposit when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect pointed a handgun at him, and demanded money. The suspect fled the scene without taking any money from the victim.
Sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., an unknown suspect took a white plaster lion statue from the victim’s yard.
At 10:00 p.m., two suspects approached the victim, demanded his cell phone, and assaulted him. The suspects were not able to get the victim's cell phone from him and they fled the scene.
At 10:05 p.m., the victim was sitting at a bus stop. The first suspect was walking back and forth  in front of her. The second suspect came up to the victim, squeezed her shoulders, and took her cell phone from her pocket. Both suspects then fled the scene.
At 9:18 p.m., three suspects entered an apartment and forced the residents into the bathroom. The suspects took cash and a cell phone before fleeing the scene.
 
At 2:54 p.m., the suspect approached the victim from behind and grabbed a cell phone out of the victim's hand. A second suspect then punched the victim in the right cheek. The suspects then got into a 4-door vehicle driven by a third suspect and drove off.
Sometime between 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., an unknown suspect entered the location through an unlocked rear door. Jewelry and silverware were taken from the location.
Sometime between 12:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., an unknown suspect gained entry to an apartment by opening an unlocked sliding glass door. A black school bag that had been just inside the door was taken.
At 9:50 p.m., a female suspect approached the victim from behind, punched her in the face, and grabbed her cell phone. When the victim started to fight the female suspect, a male suspect came and pulled the victim away from the female suspect. The victim recovered her phone and both suspects fled the scene.
 
Sometime between 3:15 a.m. and 3:40 a.m., an unknown suspect gained entry to the location by forcing open the front door. Jewelry and other miscellaneous property was taken from the location.
Sometime between 10:00 p.m. on April 5 and 1:00 a.m. on April 6, an unknown suspect gained entry to the location through a bedroom window. Dietary supplements, a jewelry box, and photographs were taken.
Sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 10:55 p.m., an unknown suspect entered an apartment and took a purse, jewelry, and prescription medication.
Sometime between 3:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., unknown suspects gained entry to an apartment. Clothing, jewelry, and a purse was taken.
Update, April 10: Additional investigation shows that this crime is not an armed robbery and did not occur as described by the victim. Police continue to investigate an incident involving two male acquaintances.
At 3:30 a.m., the victim was approached by two suspects who demanded money. When he said that he did not have any money, the two suspects that initially approached him as well as three more suspects began to assault him. The suspects took a wallet from the victim before fleeing the scene.
At 8:30 p.m., the suspect approached the victim and pressed something hard into her back. The suspect then took the victim's purse and fled the scene.
At approximately 2:25 a.m., three suspects wearing masks entered a home through an unlocked rear sliding glass door. The suspects pointed a handgun at the victims and physically assaulted them. The suspects took two televisions from the location and fled the scene.
Sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., unknown suspects entered the location and ransacked it. Nothing was taken.
Sometime between 7:45 a.m. and 3:35 p.m., an unknown suspect gained entry to the location through a back bathroom window. Electronics were taken from the location.
Sometime between 12:13 a.m. and 2:10 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the greenhouse area of Radebaugh Florist by cutting a hole in a plastic wall. A computer was taken from the location.
Sometime between 11:00 p.m. on April 1 and 11:00 a.m. on April 2, an unknown suspect entered the location but did not take anything.
Sometime between 4:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., an unknown suspect threw a rock through a bedroom window and opened it. Nothing was taken from the location.
 
Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road – Week of Mar 31-Apr 13, 2014
Case #                  Crime                                               Date     Time                      Address
140901094            Theft from Motor Vehicle  3/31        3:34 pm 2xx Rodgers Forge Road
140920365            Theft from Motor Vehicle  4/2          8:24 am  1xx Hopkins Road
140920677            Credit Card Misuse                           4/2          11:38 am               62xx Charles St. N
140930309            Theft - Other                                      4/3          7:09 am  3xx Dumbarton Road
140960408            Theft – Other                                     4/6          7:50 am  5xx Stevenson Lane
140981936            1st degree Burglary                           4/8          11:12 pm              4xx Regester Avenue
141012059            Armed Robbery                 4/11        11:11 pm              67xx York Road
141021516            Theft from Motor Vehicle  4/12        8:39 pm 3xx Dunkirk Road

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Interested in Being an Election Judge?

A Message from Baltimore County Board of Elections:

Please help make this election the best possible!
We are currently recruiting MD registered voters to serve as Election Judges in the upcoming Gubernatorial Election. The dates of service are June 24th and November 4th.
If you know of anyone who may be interested, please provide our contact information and ask them to call 410.887.0982.
Thank you very much for your time and for your service as an election judge.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Baltimore Sun Article on Opposition to TU York Rd Dorm Project

The Rodgers Forge Community, Inc recently took a position to support Greater Towson Council of Community Associations opposition of a TU dorm being built in the proposed location on York Rd just north of Burke Avenue.

Click the article for more info.

http://touch.baltimoresun.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-79911952/

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Robert E. Lee Park Native Plant Sale, Spring Calendar & summer camp registration

Think Spring!!!!!
 
Attached is the Spring Calendar for Robert E. Lee Park. Programs offered this spring include natural egg dyeing, a flashlight egg hunt, Tuesday bird walks, Friday morning strolls, Fishing Derby, Nature Scouts and Nature Princesses, butterfly celebrations, spring wildflower walk, Nature Quest and Earth Day celebration. In addition, there are opportunities to volunteer with the popular habitat and trail team and Project Clean Stream, just to name a few.
 
Of special interest to gardeners and nature lovers is the Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (raindate: Sunday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).  Support your backyard ecosystem by growing plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and encourage beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.  All sales are by cash or check only. For further information or for questions, visit the RELPNC website: relpnc.org.

Remember that members of the Nature Council get discounts on selected programs and early registration for summer camp.
 
Hope to see you at some of the activities this spring!
Sincerely, 
Nancy Worden Horst
for
Robert E. Lee Park Nature Council 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

RFCOP Crime Report - March 17th - 30th

BiWeekly reports:
Due to personal time constraints, weekly crime report updates will be coming out on a biweekly basis instead of once a week.  If you would like to request weekly let me know by replying to this email.  If there is enough replies I will continue weekly, if not they will be posted and emailed biweekly.  Thank you for your understanding.
B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter Mar 17-30, 2014
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive
Sometime between 9:00 p.m. on March 29 and 8:35 a.m. on March 30, an unknown suspect entered the Bead Wear store by breaking the glass on a door. Barrettes and rings were taken from the location.
Sometime between 6:00 p.m. on March 28 and 12:30 p.m. on March 29, an unknown suspect removed a motor scooter that was attached to the fence that leads to the back yard of the residence.
Sometime between 3:30 p.m. on March 28 and 12:29 a.m. on March 30, an unknown suspect gained entry to the location by breaking the glass on a sliding door. A television, video game system, and several video games were removed from the location.
Sometime between 7:00 p.m. on March 23 and 2:21 a.m. on March 24, unknown suspects gained entry to an apartment by unknown means. The apartment was ransacked and the suspects drank some of the victim's tequilla but nothing else was taken.
Sometime between 10:00 p.m. on March 20 and 9:30 p.m. on March 21, an unknown suspect gained entry to a home by destroying the front door lock. The home was ransacked but nothing was taken.
Sometime between 8:00 a.m. on March 20 and 5:00 p.m. on March 21,an unknown suspect entered an apartment and stole a Yorkshire Terrier. There were no signs of forced entry.
Sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 1:54 p.m., unknown suspects gained entry to a home by kicking in a rear door. Several rooms and closets were ransacked.
The victim responded in reference to an advertisement on Craig's List for an XBox 360. The victim met the suspect at which time a second suspect displayed a handgun. The suspects took the victim's wallet and cell phone.
At 12:20 p.m., the victim noticed two suspects attempting to pry open her back door. The suspects were later located and taken into custody.
At 4:13 p.m., the suspect approached the victim, displayed a knife and demanded money. A neighbor then came out of an apartment and said he was calling police. The suspect fled but was later located and taken into custody.
At 12:50 a.m., an unknown suspect attempted to pry the rear door to the location but was not successful.
Sometime between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., an unknown suspect attempted to steal a copper rain spout from the location but was not successful.
Sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., an unknown suspect entered a back yard and opened a shed door. Nothing was taken.
At 12:01 a.m., the victim was struck in the head by an unknown suspect with an unknown object. When the victim fell to the ground, the suspect patted his pants around the pockets. Another suspect then said "Let's go" and both suspects fled the scene.
Sometime between 9:00 p.m. on March 14 and 3:30 p.m. on March 16, unknown suspects removed a television and change from an unlocked motor home in a driveway.
Sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., an unknown suspect attempted to pry open the front door but was not successful.
At 10:00 p.m., four suspects approached the victim. One suspect grabbed the victim from behind while the others punched him and took his wallet.
Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road – Week of Mar 17-30, 2014
Case #                  Crime                                               Date     Time                      Address
140770523          Theft-Other                                      3/18      10:01 am             2xx Murdock Road
140781826          Vandalism                                        3/19      9:21 pm               1xx Dumbarton Road
140790640          Vandalism                                        3/20      10:18 am             4xx Schwartz Avenue
140790665          Vandalism                                        3/20      10:30 am             6xx Kingston Road
140810785          2nd degree Burglary                        3/22      1:25 pm               4xx Overbrook Road
140831117          Theft from Motor Vehicle            3/24      3:44 pm               7xx Kingston Road
140831636          2nd degree Assault                          3/24      8:05 pm               5xx Stevenson Road
From the Neighborhoods:
Suspicious activity in our neighborhood:
The following email is the report of an incident that occurred on Sunday, March 16th in our community.  It is followed by my response to a resident who emailed asking if the Bellona-Gittings Community Association was aware of the break-ins around the Bellona Ave. / Pinehurst Rd. area and, if so, what the police are saying about them.  The message the police try to get across is always the same:  Please do not hesitate to call 911 if you see anything suspicious.  Your call may prevent a crime from occurring or help to solve a crime, or even a rash of crimes. 
Email Message:
About 15 minutes ago, I observed three African American young men about 16-18 years old wearing black jeans, black and gray hoodies and skull caps walking north on Pinehurst.  When they reached the corner of Pinehurst and Midhurst, two went west on Midhurst and one went to a home where it was clear no one was home, on the corner of Pinehurst and Midhurst.  When I stayed to watch what he was doing, he knocked on the door a few times.  When he saw me watching him, I asked him did he know the people in the home.  He said no and then started to walk away and I then asked was there a reason he was knocking on their door.  He said he was looking for the Giant.  I then gave him the directions of the Giant.  I continued to watch him to see if he would in fact walk to the Giant and he asked me If I have a problem.  I responded because we have had a series of burglaries in the neighborhood, I was concerned of his behavior and that I believe he made up the reason for knocking on the door of the house.  He then walked away, west on Midhurst, the opposite direction of the Giant, and I watched him yell to his friends and get on the cell phone.  I then called Baltimore County police.
Apple ID scam alert:
Please share with friends who have iPhones, iMacs, etc.
http://gizmodo.com/beware-this-alarmingly-plausible-apple-id-phishing-scam-1547498961?