Grand Jury Indictment – Armed Robbery

On March 20, 2009, the Frederick County Grand Jury indicted Troy Darnell Goines, age 31, of Frederick (photo at right) on numerous charges stemming from an armed robbery that took place on March 28, 2008 at the 7-Eleven store located at 501 N. East St. For incident information, please see the attached press release dated 03-28-08.

The suspect in this case was identified through DNA evidence recovered from the scene. Detective Jerry Morales of the Criminal Investigation Division was then able to link Goines to the robbery through additional investigative methods.

Goines was served with the indictment on March 24, 2009 and is currently being held at the Frederick County Detention Center without bond.

Armed Robbery

On 3/30/09, at approximately 2330 hours, officers from the Frederick Police Department responded to the area of the Golden Mile for a stabbing report. The victim advised he had been walking in the area of the 100 block of Willowdale Dr. when he was approached by three black males. The three males proceeded to rob the victim by hitting the victim with a handgun, and one of the males also stabbed the victim. The victim was knocked unconscious, and the suspects fled the scene after taking the victim’s cash and property.

The suspects were described as:

1. B/M, approx. 5’9”, wearing a white shirt and jeans
2. B/M, tall and thin, wearing a black shirt and jeans
3. B/M, tall with a heavy build, wearing a gray jacket with a red stripe

The victim was transported to FMH for treatment and later released.

If anyone has information regarding the stabbing, please contact A/Sgt. J.P. Hayer of the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-1265.

Stabbing Arrest

Arrested: King, Consuela Ann (photo right)

On 03/30/09 at approximately 2:15 am, officers were called to Frederick Memorial Hospital for a report of a stabbing that had occurred in the area of County Hill Apartments. Upon arrival at the hospital, officers discovered a male and female were being treated for non-life threatening stab wounds.

Initial investigation revealed the two subjects were passengers inside a vehicle that had been driven to Country Hill Apartments. Upon arriving at the apartment complex, the two began fighting inside the vehicle and the female pulled out a knife. The female began stabbing the male multiple times with the knife and the struggle continued outside the vehicle. During the confrontation, the male sustained knife wounds to his arms and legs, left ear and his head. The female received cuts to a hand and arm. Both were treated and released.

The female, identified as Consuela Ann King, age 30, of New Windsor, was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and charged with 1^st degree assault, 2^nd degree assault, reckless endangerment and wearing and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure. She was awaiting an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.

Theft (Giant Eagle, 1305 W. 7th Street)

On 03-29-2009, OFC T. Duhan responded to the Giant Eagle, 1305 W. 7^th Street, for a theft in progress. The suspect, who was identified as Ryan Edward Green, attempted to flee when approached by loss prevention officers from Giant Eagle. Green was apprehended by the loss prevention officers, and after further investigation, was placed under arrest by Ofc. Duhan. While Ofc. Duhan was searching Green, he located a quantity of suspected heroin on his person. The total amount of items stolen by Green was over $700.00.

Arrested: Ryan Edward Green

Stabbing, Vehicle Pursuit

Arrested: Bustillo, Dennis Andres (photo right)

On 3/29, Off K. M. Meyer #429 was patrolling the area around Hill Street Park. Off Meyer noticed a group of subjects gathering in the area of Rutledge Place. It appeared a fight was breaking out and as Off Meyer approached the group, they dispersed. Meyer then traveled down toward Aynsley Ct, believing several subjects went in that direction. As he exited his car, he noticed another large group of subjects were in front of building 1208 Aynsley Ct. During that time, Off Meyer learned that one subject in the area had been stabbed, but refused to stay at the scene and entered a vehicle. As Officer Meyer was attempting to continue his investigation and call for medical assistance the victim entered a car with another subject and started to leave the area. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle a brief chase ensued, and the vehicle containing the stabbing victim and the driver of the vehicle Bustillo collided with another vehicle on Rt. 40 at Linden Ave. Bustillo was taken into custody and transported to FMH for minor injuries from the accident. After his release, he was transported to Central Booking and charged (below).

The stabbing victim was transported via ambulance to Washington County Hospital with what appears to be non-life-threatening injuries. The Criminal Investigation Division responded and continued the investigation. The identity of the stabbing victim is not being released at this time. The driver of the struck vehicle was treated for a minor arm injury and released from FMH.

If anyone has information regarding the stabbing, please contact the Frederick Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 301-600-2126.

Theft from CVS on W. 7th Street

On 03-27-09, officers were dispatched to the CVS, located at 1305 W. 7^th Street, for a theft in progress. It was reported that two suspects entered the store and stole numerous items. The suspects were confronted by employees from CVS and they fled from the scene on foot. One of the suspects, Clifton Prather, was located nearby and detained by officers. The employees positively identified Prather and he was placed under arrest. Officers continued to look for the second suspect but he was not located. The total amount of items stolen by Prather was over $1,200.

Arrested: Clifton Leroy Prather

3 Drug Arrests

On 03/27/2009, Officers K. Meyer # 429 and R. Molina # 405 were working plain clothes in the area of Willowdale Drive due to an increase in thefts from motor vehicles. The officers observed an occupied suspicious vehicle parked in the area of 137 Willowdale Drive. The officers approached the vehicle to question the occupants. Upon making contact with the occupants, the officers could smell an odor of burnt marijuana coming from within the vehicle. The officers also observed a quantity of suspected marijuana within the vehicle in plain view. All three occupants in the vehicle were placed under arrest. Additionally, Perez was found to have a smoking device in his possession.

Arrested: Michael Christopher Perez; Ashley Peige Ryan; Bethany Janee Green

Vandalism to parked vehicles

During the morning of March 29, 2009, the Frederick Police Department received reports from city residents about vandalized cars. The bulk of the reports came from the Willow Brook neighborhood (McClellan Drive, Burnside Drive areas), and Fredericktowne Village (East 16^th Street and side streets).

Officers have taken eleven reports in Willowbrook, and six reports in Fredericktowne Village. In every case, a car was hit with a rock. Most of the cars suffered damage to the windows. The rocks appear to be gray river stones used for landscaping. No valuables were taken from the cars. No noise complaints or suspicious activity had been reported in the areas overnight.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Frederick Police Department.

CSI Challenge

The Frederick Police Department would like to announce our continued participation with Mount Saint Mary’s University on their annual “CSI Challenge.” On Saturday March 28, 2009, from 9am to 2pm the University will be hosting their annual competition where university students from Maryland and surrounding states are able to demonstrate their skills in evidence collection, preservation, and presentation. This year’s CSI Challenge brings together over 70 students from as far away as the University of Guelph-Humber, in Toronto, Canada. In addition to students, more than 15 State, Federal, and local law enforcement officials will be acting as judges and bringing specialized evidence scene vehicles and other equipment to the event for display.

The “CSI Challenge” was established to encourage educational pursuits into the career field of forensic science. Students are afforded the opportunity for a real world experience supplied via a replicated crime scene, where the stress of competition and a time limit allows for the feel of a real crime scene environment. The CSI Challenge has an added objective of demonstrating the professionalism and expertise that is required for persons to competently engage in evidence collection and laboratory examination

The Frederick Police Department is extremely proud of the men and women from our department who have volunteered their time to assist these future law enforcement professionals obtain their education and test their skills. Members of the Frederick Police Department have assisted in establishing those skill sets to be tested and are also serving as judges during the Competition.

Professor Joseph Vince, Retired ATF Agent, is the coordinator of the competition and welcomes inquiry in to the event by media outlets from the Baltimore Washington Area. Should you be interested in attending, please stop by or contact him at his office (301) 447-5373 or Cell: (301) 639-1398.

Assault Arrest

On 3-26-2009, at approximately 0018 hours, OFC Ames responded to Schaffer Dr. near Lake Coventry Park for a suspicious person call. The complainant, Stanley Walden, had advised FPD Communications that he was detaining a suspicious male who had littered a few broken bottles on the roadway. Upon arrival OFC Ames found that Walden had mistakenly thought the suspicious male was attempting to break into cars. Through the course of his investigation OFC Ames found that Walden had pointed a loaded handgun at the suspicious male, detained the male, and allegedly threatened to kill the male. Walden was subsequently arrest and transported to FCADC for processing.

Arrested: Walden, Stanley A. (photo right)

Vehicle Break-Ins.

The Frederick Police Department has seen a surge in recent weeks of vehicles being broken into and mainly GPS devices being stolen. In just the prior two days, five such reports were taken in the area of W. Key Parkway and adjacent parking lots. It appears that vehicles in which electronic devices such as GPS devices and satellite radios left in plain view are being targeted. In some cases, the vehicles are left unlocked and in others the windows are being smashed. One of the cases involves an afternoon break in as the victim had only recently walked away from their vehicle only to return to find a GPS left in plain view stolen and her window smashed.

Area residents are asked to help the Frederick Police Department in reporting suspicious persons, especially persons leering into vehicles. The Frederick Police Department also urges its’ citizens to remove all valuables from vehicles when the vehicle is left unattended, and at a minimum, place valuables in the trunk and out of sight when temporarily away from the vehicle.

Anyone with information concerning vehicles being broken into are asked to contact Sgt. Wayne Trapp at 310-600-1258

Award Winning Author Ms. Deborah Wiles to Visit the Police Activities League Program

Award winning author Deborah Wiles will be visiting the Police Activities League (PAL) Center on Wednesday April 1^st at 5:30 pm The PAL Center is located in the Sagner Housing Community at 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Frederick MD 21701.

Ms. Wiles is in the Maryland area promoting her latest book “The Aurora County All Stars”. Participants in the PAL reading program have been reading this book since late February and are extremely excited to meet Ms. Wiles.

Ms. Wiles is the author of such award winning titles as “The Aurora County All Stars”, “Freedom Summer”, “Love, Ruby Lavender”, “One Wide Sky” and “Each Little Bird that Sings”. The Police Activities League reading club has been reading “The Aurora County All Stars” so it is an honor to have Ms. Wiles visit our center.

For more information on Ms. Deborah Wiles please visit her website at: www.deborahwiles.com/index2.html

The PAL Program is but one aspect of the Department’s multi-faceted, progressive approach to policing in our community in general, and reaching out to the City’s youth specifically.

The Police Activities League of Frederick (PAL) began in August of 1999, and is a recreation-oriented juvenile crime prevention program that relies heavily upon athletics and recreational activities to create and cement the bond between police officers and the kids on the street. During the school year the PAL program is offered in the evenings at the PAL Center in the Sagner Community and at Hillcrest Elementary School. PAL offers kids a safe nurturing place to learn and interact with the police officers all while having a good time.

For more information please contact Michele Bowman, Community Outreach Coordinator at 301-600-2091.

Bomb Threat

On 03/23/09 at approximately 0830 hrs, the Frederick Police Department responded to the Medimmune Corporation for a bomb threat. Medimmune is located in the 600 block of Solarex Ct. Frederick, MD. An employee of the company found a note written on the wall inside a restroom that indicated a bomb would explode inside the building on today’s date at 1300 hrs. The United Fire Company responded with an engine, ambulance, and duty vehicle. They were on stand-by during the incident. Bomb dogs from MSP, Montgomery County PD, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s responded to the location and subsequently searched the building for explosives. The building was evacuated prior to the search of the building. Two of the bomb dogs were very interested in a container that was inside a utility room, and it appeared to have some sort of electrical cord running towards it. The bomb squad responded to examine and remove the container. They found that it was not an explosive and the cord was actually a portable two-way radio. There were no injuries and local traffic was congested due to the incident. The threat remains under investigation by the Department’s Criminal investigation Division and the FBI.

Assault/Destruction of Property Arrest

On 03/08/2009 at approximately 0321 hours, members of the Frederick Police Department responded to the 100 Block of N. Market St. for a report of disorderly subjects. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a victim who advised that she had been in involved in a verbal altercation with a male subject for several blocks as they walked south on N. Market St. As they reached the area of N. Market and W. Church, the male grabbed the female and threw her into the windows of the Tasting Room Restaurant. The victim was thrown hard enough to shatter the window and actually landed inside of the restaurant. The suspect then fled.

The victim and several witnesses provided a description of the suspect who was soon located by responding officers and placed under arrest. The arrestee was transported to Frederick County Central Booking where he had a hearing before a District Court Commissioner.

Arrested: Chambers, Dillon Ainsley

Shots Fired

At 2:37 pm The Frederick Police Department received a report of shots fired in the area of 15^th St and Rose Lane. Officers responded to the area and located a victim in the area of North East St. and 13th The victim was a 17 year old male student from Thomas Johnson high School suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Due to the nature of his injuries the victim was flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. A possible suspect was observed leaving the area in a light colored silver sedan.

The Criminal Investigation Division is following up on information and interviewing possible witnesses.

Area schools were notified and modified security measures implemented.

There is no reason to believe this is a random shooting however we are not disclosing any motive at this time

Anyone with information should contact Detective Morales 301-600-1226

Grand Jury Indictment

On today’s date the Frederick County Grand Jury indicted Isaiah M. Martin, 21, (photo right) of Frederick on numerous charges stemming from a shooting that took place on February 3, 2009 in the area of E. 15^th Street and Rose Lane. Officers from the Frederick Police Department and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office attempted to locate Martin at several addresses in the City. Officers were notified that Martin would, and did, turn himself in at 5:30. At the time of this release, Martin is being processed at Central Booking. For incident information, please see the attached press release dated 2-03-2009.

The quick closure of this case is a result of a cooperative effort of members of our Criminal investigation division and members of the community. In an effort to further our accessibility to the community the department has established two additional resources that should aid our residents and visitors in providing information on crimes in the community. If any one has any information on suspicious/ criminal activity that is not time sensitive they can call 301-600-TIPS, or email us at fpdtips@fredco-md.net. The individual can remain anonymous and the department will assign someone to look into the information.

DUI Checkpoint

On Tuesday, March 17, 2008 the Frederick Police Department along with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department conducted a DUI Checkpoint in the 400 bock of West 7^th Street. This checkpoint was conducted in cooperation with the Frederick County Highway Safety Task Force under Checkpoint Strikeforce.

During the operation of the checkpoint approximately 270 vehicle drivers were contacted and provided information pamphlets provided through Checkpoint Strikeforce about the risks of driving impaired.

One driver, William Flannery, was arrested for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

The Frederick Police Department and their partners want to remind everyone that driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk. Don’t risk your freedom, your career, or your license. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.

Arrested: William Markham Flannery

Check Fraud

On tonight’s date, OFC Hoxie with the Frederick Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to check cashing business located on S. McCain Dr for a fraudulent check case. Upon arrival, OFC Hoxie was given two checks the owner of the business had received from a female customer, who was still on scene. The business has recently been given numerous checks that were counterfeit and the two checks provided tonight appeared to be similar. OFC Hoxie was able to determine the checks were counterfeit. The bank on checks were contacted and confirmed the business on the check did not exist in their system and the account number on the check was false. The female who tried to cash the checks had false identification on her person and continued to insist that was her identity. OFC Hoxie was able to find her correct identification, which is Nicole Shawn King. She was arrested and taken to Central Booking for a bond hearing, which she was awaiting at the time of this release. The investigation is continuing to see if Ms. King is connected with other similar cases involving counterfeit checks in the area.

Drug Enforcement Unit

On this date members of the Frederick Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit served a search and seizure warrant at 810 Apache Ct. During the service of this warrant, officers located a quantity of suspected marijuana and related drug paraphernalia. The suspect Guarino was placed under arrest and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

Arrested was: Guarino, Anthony James

Fraud/Soliciting

On today’s date, 03-10-09, OFC Carr and Sgt. Trapp of the Frederick Police Department responded to the area of the first block of Norva Ave. for a suspicious person call. A resident reported a male had knocked on their door and solicited money for magazines. The resident advised after giving the male a check for $10, they checked out the business on the internet and found countless Fraud alerts for the business. At this time they called police. As OFC Carr was speaking to the victim, Sgt. Trapp located a subject meeting the males description in the 100 block of Fairview Ave. He was identified as Brandon Lamar Taylor. After several inconsistent statements and denial of obtaining a check, the male finally produced a check made out to a company that could not be validated. It was also found that Taylor changed the amount on the check to $100.00. He was arrested at this point. It was also discovered that Taylor did not have a license/permit to solicit/peddle door to door.

The Frederick Police Department cautions its’ residents to be mindful of persons soliciting for money for any goods or the promise of goods or services. Residents can request to see a license to solicit door to door and are encouraged to contact the police should they have suspicions that the business is not real or valid. The Frederick Police Department also requests any citizens of the City of Frederick who have donated money to or are contacted by representatives of “DedicatedToo” for magazines should contact OFC Sean Carr of the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-1237.

Mr. Taylor was taken to FCSO’s Central Booking where he is being processes to see a Commissioner at the time of this release.

Kirkpatrick Vigil

March 15, 2009 marks the 20-year anniversary of Tracey Lynn Kirkpatrick’s murder. Tracey was a 17-year-old senior at Brunswick High School when she was murdered in Frederick City. She was working the night of March 15, 1989, when she was found dead in her place of employment at the Westridge Shopping Center.

To mark the anniversary of her death, celebrate her life, and to raise awareness of this tragic event in hopes of developing additional information, the Kirkpatrick family will hold a vigil in the Westridge Shopping Center on March 15, 2009, between 9:00 pm and 9:30 pm. The family invites the public to share in this vigil, which will be held in the east parking lot.

The Frederick Police Department Criminal Investigation Division continues to actively investigate this case. The Department asks anyone with information about this homicide to please call Detective Jerry Morales at 301-600-1226 or they can call our tip line at 301-600-TIPS (8477) or via email at fpdcrimetip@fredco-md.net.

Meth360 Program

The Frederick Police Department is pleased to announce a presentation of its Meth360 Program is now available on the City of Frederick website, www.cityoffrederick.com/police. On the web page, click on “Meth360 Program.” There is a short program evaluation that viewers are requested to complete after viewing the presentation.

Meth360 is presented in cooperation with the Partnership for a Drug Free America. The program serves to educate and equip the community to take action against the dangers posed by methamphetamine. Meth360 is a multi-disciplinary approach that is being distributed nationwide to alert citizens to the dangers of methamphetamine- what it is, how it is manufactured, the warning signs of Meth manufacture and use, and steps to be taken to combat its debilitating effects.

Meth360 pairs teams of law enforcement officers with substance abuse prevention and treatment professionals to co-deliver Meth awareness presentations at local business and civic organizations, schools and parent groups. Currently, there are more than 1,000 Meth360 presenters delivering critical information to audiences around the country.

To arrange a live, interactive presentation of the Meth360 Program to your community organization, please call Lt. Steve Tuel of the Community Services Division at 301-600-2715.

Tobacco Compliance Checks

On Sunday March 08, 2009 The Frederick Police Department conducted compliance checks of 63 local businesses in The City of Frederick to check for sales of tobacco products to minors.

The Following merchants sold tobacco products to minors: 7-Eleven, 1042 W. Patrick Street: CVS Pharmacy, 402 S. Jefferson Street; Rite Aid Pharmacy, 1000 Key Parkway; Bloom, 2060 Yellow Springs Road. Clerks cited face a court appearance, possible fines, and community service. The business owner faces fines of $300 to $3,000 and after three offenses can lose the State issued license to sell tobacco products.

Merchants who did not sell to the minors were Safeway, 927 W. 7^th Street; East Patrick Liberty, 826 E. Patrick Street; Watson Ice & Beverage, 300 N. East Street; Plus Mart, 1202 E. Patrick Street; 7-Eleven; 501 N. East Street; Express Convenience Store, 430 E. Patrick Street; Fox’s Sport & Bait, 501 S. Market Street; East Street Liberty, 1301 N. East Street; Eastside Liquors, 509 N. East Street; Sunshine Liquors, 701 Motter Avenue; Lucky Liquors, 100 S. Jefferson Street; Smoke Signals, 304 N. Market Street; Frederick Citgo, 1111 E. Patrick Street; Giant Food, 1063 W. Patrick Street; Willowtree Liquors, 5 Willowdale Drive; Golden Mile Tiger Mart, 1380 W. Patrick Street; DJ Liquors, 1306 W. Patrick Street; Hillcrest Beer & Wine, 1090 W. Patrick Street; Get ‘n Go, 1000 W. Patrick Street; Freestate Petroleum, 1180 W. Patrick Street; CVS, 1301 W. Patrick Street; Golden Mile Liquors, 50 N. McCain Drive; Frederick Shell, 1275 W. Patrick Street; Fredericktowne Mall Chevron, 1395 W. Patrick Street; Waverly Beer & Wine, 45-A Waverly Drive; Estrella Market, 1507 C W. Patrick Street; CVS, 5840 Ballenger Creek Pike; A-1 Mart, 649 Himes Avenue; Sheetz, 1300 E. Patrick Street; Classic Cigars & British Goodies, 153 N. Market Street; H&R Food Market, 89 S. Market Street; Frederick Discount Liquors, 531 N. Bentz Street; Jefferson Street Service Center, 242 S. Jefferson Street; Lowest Price Gas, 100- W. 7^th Street; 7-Eleven, Jefferson & Catoctin Avenue; MTM Convenience Store, 342 S. Jefferson Street; A-1 Choice, 300 S. Jefferson Street; La Chiquita Grocery, 1425 W. Patrick Street; Manantial Grocery, 50 N. McCain Drive; 7- Eleven, 1501 W. Patrick Street; Weis Market, 2 Old Camp Drive; Giant Eagle, 1275 W. Patrick Street; Frederick Sunoco, 1200 W. Patrick Street; CVS, 901 W. 7^th Street; CVS, 1305 W. 7^th Street; Ye Old Spirit Shoppe, 1005 W. 7^th Street; 7-Eleven, 204 Amber Drive; Old Farm Liquors, 2190 Old Farm Drive; Snax, 2050 Yellow Springs Road;

Handgun arrest

On 3/06/09 at 1954 hours OFC. Cox of Patrol Squad “D” was investigating the theft of a WII video game system. The investigation revealed the identity of a possible suspect in the theft. OFC. Cox, OFC. Pyon, and Off. Boles were in the area of Ballenger Creek Center attempting to locate the suspect (Muse). OFC. Cox found the suspect walking near the daycare center to the rear of the Roy Rogers Restaurant. When OFC. Cox attempted to talk with the suspect he refused to cooperate and refused to remove his hand from his jacket pocket. Ultimately the suspect fled on foot and was pursued by OFC. Cox, Boles and Pyon. While running, the suspect attempted to remove something from his pocket. When the foot chase continued behind the Taco Bell Restaurant the suspect pulled an object from his pocket and turned to point it at the officers. Off. Boles and OFC. Cox took the suspect to the ground and during the struggle the suspect dropped a loaded handgun. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Search of the suspect revealed a supply of ammunition for the handgun in question. The handgun recovered from the suspect had been painted red in an attempt to make it resemble a toy gun. Inspection of the weapon disclosed the serial number had been removed from the gun. The weapon was a semi automatic handgun.

Arrested: Muse, Adam Lee

Cab Driver Homicide Suspect Charged

Homicide detectives with the Baltimore Police Department have obtained an arrest warrant for the person wanted in connection with the January 26^th homicide of Yellow Cab of Frederick driver Stephen Mauk. Robert Lee Murphy, age 22, of Baltimore has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and handgun charges.

Murphy is in custody at the Howard County jail on an unrelated gun charge. Frederick police also charged Murphy in February for an armed carjacking that occurred on January 18, 2009 near Fieldpointe Apartments.

Robert Lee Murphy is charged with:

1) 1^st Degree Murder

2) 2^nd Degree Murder

3) 1^st Degree Assault

4) 2^nd Degree Assault

5) Use of a Handgun in the Commission of a Crime of Violence

6) Handgun on Person

GREAT Program to be offered In March!

The Frederick Police Department is pleased to offer it’s Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Elementary and Middle School component beginning this March at the Dearbought Community Room, located at the intersections of Wheyfield Dr & Deer Square West in the Dearbought Community, Frederick MD.

The Elementary program will be offered for 4^th and 5^th graders on March 17^th, 18^th, & 19^th from 5:30-8:00 pm and you must be able to attend all three classes. Dinner will be provided each night to participants.

The Middle School program will be offered for 6^th and 7^th graders on March 24^th, 25^th, 26^th, 31^st, and April 1^st from 5:30 – 8:00 pm and you must be able to attend all 5 classes. Dinner will be provided each night for participants.

This program, taught by police officers is a life-skills competency program that is designed to help students develop beliefs and practice behaviors that will help them avoid destructive behaviors. The curriculum will teach the students:

• Truths about gangs and violence
• Roles in their families, schools, and communities
• Goal setting tips
• How to make G.R.E.A.T. decisions
• Communication skills
• Empathy for others
• Responding to peer pressure
• Anger management
• Resolving conflicts

The G.R.E.A.T. Program is but one aspect of the Department’s multi-faceted, progressive approach to policing in our community in general, and reaching out to the City’s youth specifically. The Frederick Police Department began teaching the G.R.E.A.T. program in 2003 in all city Middle schools. The program has since expanded to include a summer component, a family component and an elementary component.

GREAT’s message has residual value as kids positively influence their peers to withstand the lure of gangs, listen to their parents, and respect police.

For more information or to request a registration form please contact Michele Bowman, Community Outreach Coordinator at 301-600-2091/ mbowman@fredco-md.net or visit the city website at www.cityoffrederick.com/police.

DUI Hit and Run Property Damage Accident

On Thursday March 5, 2009 at approximately 1:30 am, Officers responded to the report of a hit and run accident it he 1100 block of Key Parkway. OFC. Brian Payne was the first officer to arrive on the scene, and found two badly damaged vehicles parked along the curb and parts of the striking vehicle strewn all over the area. A description of the striking vehicle was broadcast, and Officer Kevin Meyer located the vehicle and the driver at an apartment complex several blocks from the accident scene. The striking vehicle was completely disabled and had both severe front and rear end damage. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody, and found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Arrested: Gastelum, Uriel

Domestic Assault

On Wednesday March 4^th, 2009 at approximately 0258 hours, officers from the Frederick Police Department responded to a reported domestic assault in a room at the Best Western Hotel on Prospect Blvd. When the officers arrived at the hotel room they could here a fight happening inside. The officers could hear the women inside screaming and yelling. The officers attempted to get the persons inside of the room to open the door, and when no one answered the officers attempted to force entry into the room. Before they could make entry the door to the room opened, and the officers located a man, identified as Thomas Clark and a woman who was bleeding from a wound to her mouth and her face was covered on blood. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and the victim was transported to FMH for treatment for her injuries.

Arrested: Clark, Thomas L.

Multiple Hit and Run Accidents/ DUI

On today’s date, 03-03-09, at approximately 0750 hours, OFC Hanner with the Frederick Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to a personal injury motor vehicle accident in the 400 block of Carrollton Dr. Upon arrival, OFC Hanner found Ms. Candy Sue Mercer behind the wheel of an Oldsmobile mini-van, dazed as she had just struck a parked vehicle in the area. As OFC Hanner was investigating this accident, calls began to come into Frederick Police Communications regarding other Hit and Run accidents involving an Oldsmobile mini-van like the one Ms. Mercer was operating. After investigating the various Hit and Run accidents reported and found in and about the Carrollton Drive area, it was determined that Ms. Mercer was responsible for four other Hit and Run accidents in addition to the accident OFC Hanner was initially investigating. Ms. Mercer was taken to Washington County General Hospital due to her diminished mental capacity and it was determined that she was under the influence of alcohol in combination with prescription drugs, which she did not have a prescription. It was determined that Ms. Mercer only struck parked vehicles, sign poles, and light poles about the area. No other persons were involved nor injured. Ms. Mercer was served with numerous citations and she remained at Washington County General Hospital for observation.

Fertilizer theft

On March 1, 2009, at approximately 2:20pm the Frederick Police Department was notified of a commercial burglary at Southern States in the 500 Block of E South St. During the course of the investigation we learned that two types of fertilizer were stolen “191919” fertilizer and Urea. Both of these substances are agriculture grade fertilizer and the Urea is also used as an ice melt product.

The investigation is in its early stages and our Criminal Investigation Division is looking into all information we have, and attempting to gather additional information through examination of the scene and surveillance video.

We have no indication of a motive for the theft at this time, but as a matter of protocol, we have notified our federal law enforcement allies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been in contact with our detectives and is providing assistance as needed.

We are looking into a possible suspect captured on video surveillance who appears to be a 45-50 year old white male wearing a dark in color hooded sweat shirt. Anyone with information on this crime to contact the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-2102

I have attached a still photo of the suspect as captured on one of the surveillance cameras.

Frederick News Post in Trouble

Friday, the Frederick News Post announced that due to financial problems they will stop publishing a Monday print edition of their daily paper.

From their Friday paper:

[March 30 will be the last Monday edition for the foreseeable future, said Editor and Publisher Myron Randall. The decision was driven by the effect of a dire economy on the 126-year-old newspaper and will cushion the organization financially over the coming months.

"We have made a broad range of cuts across the company that has affected every facet of our operations," Randall said. "Although we are suspending the Monday edition, we're committed to improving our Sunday and Tuesday papers and the quality of our product across the board."]

To me this comes as no surprise. Their announcement also comes on the heels of the postal service saying they are considering suspending Saturday mail delivery.

The bottom line is printing time sensitive information and then having to deliver said information will not work in the age of the Internet. People want their information NOW in REAL TIME and they want many photos and video clips and not just the summary a printed newspaper can provide. They also want to interact with the news and contribute. They want to be involved! So where will news junkies go when the Frederick News Post finally goes away for good? Maybe a community website like http://Frederick.com

Fertilizer theft

During the night of 2/28 and 03/01, unknown suspects stole at least 8,000lbs of fertilizer from the Southern States store located in the 500 block of E. South St. A representative estimated that at last 6,000lbs of “191919” fertilizer and 2,000lbs of urea were removed from this location. The fertilizer was packaged in primarily white 50lb bags imprinted with a red and blue SS logo. A possible suspect is a W/M, 45-50 YOA, and balding. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact the Frederick Police Department.

Snow Emergency Plan Alert

The Frederick Police Department would like to remind residents that the Snow Emergency Plan might take effect with tonight and tomorrow’s forecasted snowfall. Two hours after the snow emergency has been declared, all vehicles parked on snow emergency routes are subject to tow at the owner’s expense without warning.

The following information is intended for businesses and residents located along a designated Snow Emergency Routes. These routes are marked by signage. These are the general regulations that address your responsibility during a snow emergency.

Frederick has categorized the streets within the city in order to prioritize Snow Removal Services. Streets are typically broken down into three categories; Snow Emergency, Collector and Local Streets. The streets that are designated as Snow Emergency Routes have been determined to be the major traffic arteries, which need to be kept open at all times.

The Snow Emergency Routes are cleared first and we must keep them passable at all times under all conditions. It is only after these streets are satisfactory are we able to move on to the Collector and then the local streets.

When a Snow Emergency is declared, it will be announced via local radio broadcasts, telecasts and the City Web site at www.cityoffrederick.com In addition, we will have a recorded message on the City Emergency information line - 301.600.1300. Parking on Snow Emergency Routes is prohibited on any posted Snow Emergency Route, starting two (2) hours after the Snow Emergency declaration. Please remove all vehicles within the required time. Prohibited parking shall remain in effect until the Snow Emergency has been lifted. Cars in violation may be towed at owner’s expense.

Vehicles traveling on Snow Emergency Route restrictions are required to have snow tires or chains. Enforcement of the Snow Emergency Route restrictions is conducted by the Frederick City Police.

Thank you in advance for assisting the City to protect public safety. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Department of Public Works at 301.600.1440.

Drivers are reminded to take extra care when driving during inclement weather and to wear their safety belts, and use your vehicle’s head and tail lamps.

Shooting

On 03/01/09 at approximately 0430 hours, officers responded to a shooting in the 200 block of Phebus Ave. Once on scene, they located a 38-year-old male lying near a service way inside the Lincoln Apts. Complex. The male had an obvious wound to his right leg and he was advising that he had just been shot. Witnesses reported that a black male with dreadlocks exited a small white vehicle near this service way and fired 4-5 rounds in the direction of the victim. The suspect returned to the vehicle and the car sped away. The victim was transported to Washington County Hospital by ambulance and his injury appears to be non-life threatening. The incident in under investigation by the Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.