Police Conduct Pre-Halloween Sex Offender Sweep

Updated Thursday, Nov. 1 3 p.m.

Howard County Police say they have located a sex offender after the department's annual pre-Halloween sweep led to the identification of two non-compliant, convicted sex offenders.

Police found Bryan Lamont Hawkins at a friends' house in Columbia Thursday morning, according to police spokesperson Mary Phelan. Hawkins was arrested without incident. 

Police continue to search for Robert Jamie Saiz, 32, of 8390 Montgomery Run Rd. in Ellicott City.

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In a recent pre-Halloween sex offender sweep, Howard County police officers located all but two of the 104 sex offenders registered in Howard County, according to a press release.

Police have issued warrants for the arrests of Bryan Lamont Hawkins, 37, of 7380 Broken Staff Court in Columbia, and Robert Jamie Saiz, 32, of 8390 Montgomery Run Rd. in Ellicott City, officials said.

Search by zip code here to find out where sex offenders live in your neighborhood.

“Registered sex offenders are forbidden from participating in Halloween.  Parents who would like to be informed about where offenders live can check the registry on our web site,” wrote police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn.

Police said they will be on hand tonight in residential neighborhoods to “make sure children stay safe.”

“They will also be alert for vandalism, theft and destruction or property,” police said in a release. “Officers will also conduct speed enforcement activities and be on the look-out for drunk or impaired drivers.”

Police are offering the following tips for a safe Halloween: 

• Encourage children to trick-or-treat with a group, and before dark. After dark, an adult chaperone should carry a flashlight and choose well-lit streets.

•  Be careful to avoid storm debris that may still be on sidewalks, areas where there may be standing water and neighborhoods without power as a result of the hurricane.

•  Teach children that they should never go into a stranger’s home or car.

• Remind children not to eat treats before they have been inspected by parents. Never eat candy that has been opened.

•  Leave porch or other outside lights on to make clear that trick-or-treaters are welcome.