Crime & Safety

DNA, Bomb Threats, Egyptian Adventure: This Week's Best in Police and Fire Reporting

Patch reports on cops, crime and occasional chaos in your community.

From a former city police officer found guilty for sexual abuse of a minor to everything you ever want to know about neighborhood speed cameras, Patch has got you covered on the police beat.

With the House Judiciary Committee considering a bill that would repeal the death penalty in Maryland, Kirk Bloodsworth shared his experience as a death row inmate exonerated using post-conviction DNA testing. Learn more about his story and where the death penalty stands in Maryland at Owings Mills Patch.

An Elkridge native and a lieutenant at the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department, Brian Shipley is being deployed to Egypt this month with the Maryland National Guard. Read local editor Elizabeth Janney’s article on this real-life hero, featured on Elkridge Patch.  

A North Laurel man who is a former city police officer is facing up to 25 years in prison after a Howard County Circuit Court judge found him guilty of sexually abusing his girlfriend's 15-year-old daughter. Laurel Patch has the story. 

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Serena Jones was held at the Carroll County Detention Center without bail on charges related to the threats and two unrelated warrants, but is awaiting a bail review hearing. Her alleged bomb threat against the courthouse was found to be a hoax and both courts resumed operations. Westminster Patch has the story.

Although legislation has yet to be approved by the County Council, Capt. John McKissick addressed some of the most active concerns area residents voiced over the speed cameras. Local editor Brandie Jefferson was there to cover the session and reports back on the most important info you need to know on Columbia Patch.

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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