News and Current Events

From the Harford County Sheriff’s Office:

At approximately 10:16pm on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies received several 911 calls in reference to shots fired in the 1400 block of Charlestown Drive in Edgewood MD.

A caller stated that he heard shots fired just before the storm door of his home was damaged. Deputies at the scene were told by several bystanders that they had seen a young man fleeing the area quickly after they heard the shots fired. Deputies located the victim of the shooting, in the 400 block of Meadowood Drive, Edgewood MD, less than a half a mile from the original incident.

The victim, a resident of Joppa MD, was bleeding from a gunshot wound to the torso. He told deputies on the scene that he was the victim of an attempted robbery. Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company transported the victim, who was conscious and alert, to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma by ambulance.

The crime is in the early stages of the investigative process; however, anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division – Detective Phil Golden at 410-836-5430.

Anyone with information regarding this crime who wishes to remain anonymous may report their information through the following methods listed below. Qualifying tips that lead to a conviction may be eligible for up to $ 2,000.00 in rewards.

Website/Email: Submit a tip online at http://www.harfordsheriff.org/wanted
Text message: Metro Crime Stoppers: Text “CRIMES” (274637). Begin the message “MCS,” then add the information.
Phone: Harford Crime Solvers: Call 1-888-540-8477

From the Harford County Sheriff’s Office:

At approximately 8:30pm Monday, Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting that had occurred in the 500 block of Meadowood Drive in Edgewood, MD.

The victim, a 28-year-old male, John William Harris IV, last known address Washington Street in Hagerstown MD, was shot in the torso region of his body, multiple times on Monday evening, July 26, 2010. He was transported in critical condition by ambulance to University of Maryland Shock Trauma for surgery, where at last report he was listed in critical but stable condition.

The shooting is currently under investigation and there are several theories being developed at this time. It has been determined that this was not a random act of violence and was not domestic related in nature

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division – Detective Nick Petrozzino at 410-836-5014 or Detective Tom Walsh at 410-836-5408.

Anyone with information regarding this crime who wishes to remain anonymous may report their information through the following methods listed below. Qualifying tips that lead to a conviction may be eligible for up to $ 2,000.00 in rewards.

Website/Email: Submit a tip online at http://www.harfordsheriff.org/wanted
Text message: Metro Crime Stoppers: Text “CRIMES” (274637). Begin the message “MCS,” then add the information.
Phone: Harford Crime Solvers: Call 1-888-540-8477

By Kate Froehlich
Special to The Dagger

Just after 2:30 p.m. on July 11, Rudolph Glanville slowed his Chevrolet truck on Route 165 to make a turn onto Nelson Mill Road. Without warning, he felt a hit from behind that jolted the truck.

Pulling over, he saw that a man had been ejected from his Harley-Davidson, having failed to stop in time to prevent contact with Glanville’s truck.

The motorcyclist, 37-year-old William Anderson III, was airlifted to University of Maryland Shock Trauma, but succumbed to his injuries, becoming the 10th Harford resident killed while riding a motorcycle on or near county roads this year. Anderson was a 15-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department and a member of the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company.

The number of motorcycle fatalities, including a two-fatality crash on Route 40 just outside the county line this month, is up from seven at this time last year, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police.

“The number of motorcycle fatalities is high,” said Chuck Moore, commander of the Maryland State Police’s Barrack D in Bel Air. Moore blamed the increase on “inattention and driver experience.”

“It’s not alcohol. The drivers that are experienced aren’t paying attention. Because we do have a lot of traffic around here, you need to pay attention all the time,” Moore said. “You can’t daydream and you can’t take your eyes off the front of you. When there is that moment and you make the smallest little mistake, because you don’t have that metal body around you everything is magnified.”

Added Sheriff Jesse Bane, “It’s a combination of factors [including] driver error, people taking risks, people that aren’t looking for motorcycles and then don’t see them, [and] the volume of traffic.”

The problem lies “in part with the motoring public and [also with] the failure to make new roads,” Bane said.

Prior to the most recent road construction, few major changes have been made to county roads since the 1980s despite an increase in the number of motorists countywide. Bane said, “We can’t keep bringing more vehicles designed to handle ‘60’s, ‘70’s, ‘80’s traffic and think there won’t be any problems.”

However, local body shops haven’t seen an increase in motorcycles coming in for repair said Bel Air Motorcycle owner Don Long, one indication that non-fatal accidents may not be on the rise.

Long said drivers of cars remain a bigger threat to motorcyclists than bikers themselves.

“I think the biggest problem around this area is drivers paying attention.” Long said. “I’ve witnessed two bikes get rear ended. The biggest problem with riding through Bel Air is other drivers watching for us.”

The Maryland State Police have not seen a pattern behind the cause of the incidents, Moore said.

“Believe me if there was, we would step up enforcement in those areas,” Moore said. “We will target certain roadways if we see a pattern of accidents, not just for motorcycles.”

As a result of automobile accidents in general, enforcement has been increased on Route 543, Route 40, Route 1, and Route 152 this year, according to Moore.

“Law enforcement is doing what they can,” Bane said. “We’re working as hard as we can with the limited resources that we have.”

Although he “takes exception with anyone” that says the problem is solely a law enforcement issue, “that’s not to say that law enforcement won’t come up with initiatives” to help the issue. For example, law enforcement officers “provide input when road improvements are being done as to what is gone for the flow of traffic,” Bane said.

“People are shocked. This is something fairly recent to Harford County and not something with county is accustomed to,” Bane said. “I hope this is not a forecaster for the future.”

“We just wish that they [motorcycle accidents] wouldn’t happen of course. We try to prevent people from getting hurt,” Moore said.

Bane added, “My greatest fear is that we become insensitive. This is a very serious issue.”

Sergeant Donald Gividen, head of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit, urged specific precautions: “Always wear a Department of Transportation approved safety helmet, be properly charged on how to handle and ride a motorcycle, be certain to have a class M license, obey all traffic laws, especially those related to posted speeds, and don’t drink and drive.”

“One of the things we promote in the motorcycle safety program is a share the road awareness campaign,” said Philip Sause, Motor Vehicle Administration Motorcycle Safety Program Coordinator. Operators of cars and motorcycles have “a joint responsibility” to ensure safe driving.

He adds that motorcyclists must “understand how to stop their vehicle and how to swerve their vehicle.”

“For motorcyclists, ride to be seen, ride to be visible,” Sause said. “You can disappear from a driver’s rear view mirror. They should also have reflective gear, especially when riding at night. Think about what could possibly happen. What is the worst thing that can happen in this situation?”

(Note: The following list was assembled from several sources. If any of the names or other info is incorrect, let us know and we’ll update it.)

1. Richard V. Genna Jr., 22, Abingdon
April 4
Harford County Sheriff’s Office investigated
Singer Road near Atkinson Road, Joppa
2007 Honda CBR 600

2. Karl M. Kunz, 20, Edgewood
April 23
HCSO
Joppa Farm Road at Foster Knoll Dr.
2009 Yamaha

3. Michael S. Laubach, 26, addresses in both Street and Abingdon
April 30
Maryland State Police investigated
Westbound Route 40 in Abingdon
Yamaha YZF-R6

4. Joseph J. Morlock (or Morlok), 39, residency not reported??
May 4
MSP
Southbound Route 1 at Route 136 in Dublin
2001 Harley-Davidson Softtail (sp?)

*5. George Laubach, 21, Aberdeen
May 8
MSP
Aldino Road east of Route 22
2009 Kawasaki

6. Daniel M. DeVries, 21, Fallston
May 12
HCSO
Reckord Road north of Beechwood Road, Fallston
2008 Suzuki

7. Henry J. Hagey Jr., 66, Baldwin
June 17
MSP
Harford Road south of Connolly Road, Baldwin
2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster

8 and 9. Michael C. Deinlein, 26, Edgewood
Melissa Sobczynski, 29, Edgewood
Baltimore County Police investigated
Route 40 west of Jones Road, approx. 1 mile into Baltimore County
2004 Kawasaki Ninja

10. William E. Anderson III, 37, Jarrettsville
July 11
MSP
Route 165 at Nelson Mill road in Jarrettsville
2009 Harley-Davidson

From the Harford County Sheriff’s Office:

On Friday, July 23, 2010, James Cooper Valentine, age 20, of Edgewood, MD was taken into custody in connection with the double shooting of Solothol Delilly, 18 and Rashad Colyns, 18 of Edgewood that occurred on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Valentine’s charges include attempted murder in the first and second degree, assault in the first and second degree and use of a handgun in a violent crime.

Valentine was apprehended in the 1600 block of Candlewood Court in Edgewood MD at approximately 3pm on Friday, July 23, 2010. At the time of his arrest, Valentine was in possession of illegal drugs.

Valentine was transported to the Harford County Detention Center for processing and is currently awaiting his initial appearance. A bond review hearing is scheduled at District Court on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 1:15pm.

From the Harford County Boys & Girls Club:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County in partnership with Harford County Public Schools Food & Nutrition offers FREE breakfast and lunch during the summer months weekdays until August 2oth. Youth under the age of 18 can participate at either the Edgewood or Aberdeen Branches.

Aberdeen Branch; 100 E. Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen, MD 21001;
Phone: 410-272-8233
Breakfast served at 8:30am; Lunch served at 12:30p

Edgewood Branch; 2002 Cedar Drive; Edgewood, MD 21040
Phone: 410-676-1020
Breakfast served at 8:30am; Lunch served at 12:30p

From the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center:

James Valdes, Ph.D., the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Scientific Advisor for Biotechnology, was awarded a “Meritorious Senior Professional Rank Award” as part of the 2009 Army Presidential Rank Awards held recently.

Valdes, along with 25 other distinguished career executives and senior professionals, was presented with the most prestigious recognition afforded to Army civilians during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

“We are truly, truly fortunate to have such wonderful civilians, such highly accomplished individuals helping to lead the Army during what I know we all understand are very, very challenging times, and times of great change,” said Secretary of the Army John McHugh.

Valdes was recognized for his work on the Tactical Garbage to Energy Refinery (TGER), a hybrid waste-to-energy system that combines two complementary technologies ? advanced fermentation and thermal decomposition ? to convert a broader range of waste products such as plastic, paper, food scraps and styrofoam into synthetic gas or hydrous ethanol. The TGER can consume about a ton of waste per day and was designed to produce electricity for the local power grid or heat for showers while disposing of waste generated by more than 600 people with a 60 kilowatt generator.

“The TGER is best suited for a post-[Hurricane] Katrina, post-combat or expeditionary military operation situation. One where there is a lot of garbage, but no power,” Valdes said when asked to describe the benefits of the system.

Valdes was previously recognized with the “Meritorious Senior Professional Rank Award” in 2003 for his conceptual and technical breakthroughs in the field of “biosensors,” a discipline which he helped to establish and define a strategic direction for at ECBC and throughout the Joint Services.

McHugh said the Army’s success is due “in no small measure” to the civilian awardees — who work in such fields as contracting, procurement, research, installation management and Iraqi reconstruction and training — and that their efforts have resulted in a “more efficient and cost-effective” Army.

Awardees, who must be nominated by the secretary of the Army, evaluated by boards of private citizens and approved by the president, received between 20 and 35 percent of their base pay in addition to the framed certificate signed by President Obama.

For more information on ECBC, visit http://www.ecbc.army.mil/.

The man murdered early Sunday morning in Bel Air was the stepson of an Edgewood man attacked by a group of teenagers in 2007, one of whom is now a suspect in the killing and was recently released from jail on charges stemming from the earlier incident, according to police.

Derrick Maxey Jr., 25, of Aberdeen was shot and killed in the parking lot of the American Legion on North Bond Street in Bel Air early Sunday morning, and police on Wednesday identified Rakim Muhammad, 20, of Parkville as a suspect in his murder.

Muhammad was recently released from prison on a sentence stemming from the 2007 incident, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and court records, which show he served 3 years and 6 months of a 10-year sentence, including credit for time served. However, Bel Air police said they have not confirmed a motive for the killing, and are focused on apprehending Muhammad.

Muhammad was the seventh suspect arrested in late 2007 in connection with the beating and stabbing of Gregory Simmons, then 44, at his home on the 1900 block of Eloise Lane in Edgewood. Bel Air Police Chief Leo Matrangola said police confirmed that Simmons is Maxey’s stepfather shortly after Maxey’s murder. Court documents show Maxey shared that address, and another on the 400 block of Holly Drive in Aberdeen, with Simmons, who was left paralyzed following the assault.

Matrangola said investigators have focused on locating and apprehending Muhammad, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous, and have not yet delved fully into his connection to the Simmons case or a possible motive for Maxey’s murder.

Muhammad, then 17, was charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder, two counts of attempted second degree murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit first degree murder, two counts each of first and second degree assault, two counts of wearing and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, malicious destruction of property over $500, and associating and participating with a gang.

Muhammad pleaded guilty to a count of second degree assault, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with six years and six months suspended. He served three years, six months of the sentenced, with 281 days of “jail credit” according to court records.

A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services said a “Rhakeem Raid Muhammad” with the same date of birth was released from the Division of Correction on Mandatory Supervision on January 21, 2010.

From the Bel Air Police Department:

The Bel Air Police Department is asking for anyone with information of the whereabouts of Rakin Muhammad, aka “Black”, age 20, of Parkville, MD, to call 911 or 410-638-4500 to report his location. Muhammad is wanted in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old Aberdeen man that occurred on Sunday, July 18, shortly after midnight at the American Legion parking lot on Bond Street in Bel Air.

Bel Air Police & Harford County Sheriff’s deputies have developed information on Muhammad and a homicide warrant is on file at the Bel Air Police Department.

Rakin Muhammad is described as a black male, approximately 5’8” tall weighing about 130lbs, with tattoos on his back and both arms and hands. He is armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Rakin Muhammad, aka “Black” who wishes to remain anonymous may report their information through the following methods listed below. Qualifying tips that lead to a conviction may be eligible for up to $ 2,000.00 in rewards.

Website/Email: Submit a tip online at http://www.harfordsheriff.org/wanted

Text message: Metro Crime Stoppers: Text “CRIMES” (274637). Begin the message “MCS,” then add the information.

Phone: Harford Crime Solvers: Call 1-888-540-8477

From Harford County Public Schools:

Harford students show continuous improvement on state tests; Edgewood Middle achieves AYP

Harford County Public School students continue to perform well on the Maryland School Assessments (MSA) taken by third through eighth graders in reading and math, despite the increasingly rigorous targets. According to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) data released today regarding the 2010 MSAs, nearly 75 percent of all Harford elementary and middle schools combined made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In addition, previously underperforming sub-groups are making great strides, and in many cases narrowing the achievement gap. Student proficiency rates in both reading and math remain high.

All students in a school and each sub-group of students, as defined by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, must meet the annual measurable objectives (AMO) for both reading and math in order for the school to achieve AYP. In addition, elementary and middle schools must meet the AMO for attendance rates. Student sub-group areas, as defined by NCLB, include students with disabilities, students who are Limited English Proficient, students in poverty and students categorized by race/ethnicity.

Moving toward the 2014 goal of 100 percent proficiency, the performance target established by MSDE is increasing rapidly each year. Harford County schools are making progress toward this goal. In 2010, among the 32 elementary schools, reading proficiency rates for the total population rose to more than 90 percent in 20 schools, and mathematics proficiency rates for the total population exceeded 90 percent in 21 schools. Of the nine middle schools, reading proficiency remained stable with five schools reaching 90 percent.

“Our teachers are focused on continuing to increase student achievement across the board, and we will remain working tirelessly toward the goal of 100 percent proficiency,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert M. Tomback. “I’m particularly proud of the strides we have made in narrowing the achievement gap for students, especially our special education and low socio-economic students. Our students should be commended for responding to and, in many cases, exceeding the high expectations set for them.”

Edgewood Middle School (EMS) was among the schools with the most impressive improvement. For the second consecutive year, EMS met AYP in every sub-group area exiting them from the School Improvement List. This year, previously underperforming subgroups, including African-American students, students in poverty, and special education students, all experienced gains at Edgewood Middle.

In reading, the percent of EMS students in the aggregate achieving proficient or advanced reached an all-time high of more than 81 percent this year, an increase of more than five percent compared to 2009. In mathematics, proficiency rates for all students in the aggregate improved, rising from 63.3 percent in 2009 to 69.6 percent in 2010, while African-Americans improved by four percentage points, students in poverty improved eight percentage points, and special education students increased by 17 percentage points. Overall, EMS realized significant improvement in all sub-group areas in both reading and math earning AYP status.

Edgewood Middle School Principal Dr. Lawrence Rudolph, having completed his second year providing leadership to the school, credits the dedication and determination of his students and staff for achieving these results.

“Edgewood Middle School is a premiere school in Harford County committed to empowering students as learners, leaders, and innovators,” said Dr. Rudolph on behalf of the EMS administrative team. “This achievement is one of many indications that EMS is continually working hard to align instruction, high expectations, and engagement of all stakeholders to achieve at high levels. Our students and teachers have proven that they are competent and able to be successful in the academic arena. We are very proud of our accomplishments over the last two years, and will continue to do what is best for all kids.”

This year, of the middle schools on the 2009 Schools in Improvement List, in addition to Edgewood Middle, Fallston and North Harford middle schools also achieved AYP. Fallston Middle exited the list this year; however, North Harford will need to make AYP again in 2011 in order to be removed from the list. Reaching more than 93 percent in reading and 85 percent in math, Southampton Middle continues to meet and exceed the AMOs, achieving AYP again this year for the eighth consecutive year. While realizing significant gains but failing to meet the AMO, the remaining middle schools will focus on improving the achievement of all sub-groups.

At the elementary level, nearly 85 percent of schools made AYP. Edgewood Elementary, a school where students in poverty comprise 65 percent of the population, realized the most significant improvement in reading proficiency with an increase of more than 11 percent from the previous year. The elementary schools that failed to achieve AYP were Magnolia, William Paca/Old Post Road, Bakerfield, Hickory, and North Harford.

Each of the five elementary schools that failed to achieve AYP realized improvement in many sub-group areas, however. Most notably, William Paca/Old Post Road achieved a 10.7 percent increase in math proficiency by the African-American sub-group. Bakerfield Elementary also realized a 10 percent increase in the students of poverty sub-group area in reading. Achieving 100 percent proficiency in two sub-group areas in reading and two in math, Hickory Elementary continues to make significant progress, failing to meet the mark only in the special education sub-group. Magnolia Elementary increased its special education reading proficiency by 14.8 percent and special education math by more than four percent. North Harford Elementary also achieved 100 percent proficiency in seven sub-group areas, four in reading and three in math.

As part of the NCLB legislation, two Title I elementary schools which failed to achieve AYP for the second consecutive year will now offer transfer options to students. William Paca/Old Post Road and Magnolia elementary schools will both hold informational meetings for parents to discuss transfer options. William Paca/Old Post Road will hold an information meeting at the school on August 2nd and Magnolia will hold its meeting at school on August 3rd.

Both meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

To support the schools that have entered the Schools in Improvement List, energies will be focused on helping teachers reach each child. Best practices will be shared among schools focused on a goal of continuous improvement for all students in Harford County schools.

For more information regarding Harford County and State MSA and AYP data, visit the Maryland Report Card website at www.MDReportCard.org.

From the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center:

Daniel Weber, of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Research and Technology Directorate, was named the “2010 Engineer of the Year” by the Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Among Weber’s accomplishments was the design and development of a unique 5-cm wind tunnel to investigate the release of highly toxic, chemical warfare agents from surfaces under controlled environmental conditions.

“Dan should be commended for his fine work at ECBC. He is a noted aerospace engineer in our community,” said ECBC Technical Director Joseph D. Wienand. “This award once again demonstrates that ECBC is home to some of the best and brightest scientists and engineers in the nation.”

The wind tunnel credited to Weber represents the key element in an experimental “Agent Fate” Defense Technology Objective sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. A unique feature of the wind tunnel is its ability to simulate the near ground portion of the atmospheric boundary layer while operating within a standard chemical fume hood. Several examples of the wind tunnel are currently in use by the United States as well as several nations worldwide.

“The wind tunnel he developed for ECBC gave us an effective tool that we’ve never had before and it enables us to understand the fate of chemical agents in the environment,” said ECBC Director of Research and Technology Joseph Corriveau, Ph.D. “His work has resulted in more focused materiel requirements for things such as detectors and decon systems and had real implications in our training and doctrine.”

Weber is a senior member of the AIAA, the primary professional society for aerospace engineers. The Mid-Atlantic Section of the AIAA includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.

“It was an honor to be recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Section of the AIAA for the design of the 5-cm wind tunnel, not only for myself but for all at ECBC who were involved with this project,” said Weber. “I appreciate of all their help, support and contributions.”

For more information on ECBC, visit http://www.ecbc.army.mil/.

From the Harford County Health Department:

The Harford County Health Department in partnership with Upper Chesapeake HealthLink is sponsoring a Community Health Day from 1:00 until 5:00pm on July 23, 2010 in the Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center located at the corner of Edgewood and Hanson Roads in Edgewood, Maryland.

Included among the day’s activities, the Upper Chesapeake HealthLink Mobile Van will be parked in the shopping center parking lot and nurses will be on site to provide adults with free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, as well as body fat measurement. In addition, health education information on a variety of topics will be shared with participating families.

Ms. Marcy Austin, Harford County Health Department Dental Clinic Manager states, “The Harford County Health Department and Upper Chesapeake Health System share a mutual interest in our community’s health and take great pleasure in supporting an event such as this. It provides local residents with an opportunity to learn more about their own health and what they can do to keep their families healthy, while engaging in activities that are enjoyable and that benefit everyone.”

Contributing to the fun and celebration of promoting good health, the event will feature music, balloons and face painting, along with opportunities for children to play games and win prizes. Youth can be fitted for bicycle helmets and will be able to receive a free bicycle helmet. In addition, families will receive dental hygiene supplies from the Harford County Health Department Dental Clinic at no cost. Participants can also receive free passes to LazerNation.

For more information call Ms. Austin at the Harford County Health Department Dental Clinic at 443-922-7670.