Blonde-Wigged Bandit, Two-Alarm Fires, Gang Recruitment: Patch on the Police Beat

From a bank robber in a woman’s wig leading a chase in a bright yellow Jeep to our own Diana Soliwon going behind the scenes of a citizens police academy, here’s a look at Patch on the police beat.

Patch was on the scene of a fire that occurred in Ellicott City as the town was preparing for tornadoes and flash storms. Three families were displaced from the incident before firefighters kept the flames from spreading to nearby homes. See the firefighters in action with a video posted to Columbia Patch.

Blonde-Wigged Bandit Arrested After Robbing Howard County Bank

Hijinks and a high speed chase ensue after an Anne Arundel County man decked out in a woman’s wig, red hat and leather jacket allegedly robs Sandy Spring Bank before speeding off in a Jeep down Interstate 70 and eastbound Route 32. The suspect was arrested, but not before police found the stolen cash tucked away in an envelope within the neon yellow getaway car. Columbia Patch has the story.

Five Things I Learned At My First Academy Class

Ever curious about the training and preparation law enforcement undergo before hitting the streets? Owings Mills Patch editor Diana Soliwon is getting  the inside scoop on Baltimore County's 30th Citizens Police Academy. As a part of the 16-week program, Patch will be reporting back about police work and education. Check out Owings Mills Patch to get the first installment of the series.

County's Gang Members Homegrown, Getting Younger, Say Police

In a meeting last week, Montgomery County Police's Gang Unit spoke to residents about the transition local gangs are making to expanding not just geographically, but demographically as well. According to authorities, chapters of Silver Spring gangs like East County’s 38-Mob and the 88-Crush Mob are popping up all over the county, and recruiting not just teens, but children, too. Colesville Patch has the story.