Bank Robbery Suspect Arrest

On Thursday, February 25, 2010 at approximately 11:30 am, the man responsible for a series of bank robberies in Frederick between February 1 and February 9, 2010 was arrested in Charlestown, West Virginia. Detective Kevin Forrest obtained an arrest warrant for Joseph James Hopkins, age 27, of Frederick on Wednesday evening. The charging document for Hopkins contained charges of three counts of robbery, two counts of theft $1,000 to under $10,000, attempted theft less than $1,000, attempted theft $1,000 to under $10,000, and second degree assault.

On Thursday morning, detectives with the Frederick Police Department were able to track the suspect to a hotel in Charlestown. Local police authorities were provided with the suspect’s information and he was located and taken into custody without incident. Frederick Police detectives are currently in West Virginia working to gather additional information.

The case broke on Wednesday morning, when lab results indicated a fingerprint lifted from the scene at one of the banks came back to Hopkins. Additional information was obtained from an anonymous caller, who said they believed the man in the bank surveillance photographs appeared to be Hopkins. Compiling all the evidence obtained during the investigations, Det. Forrest obtained the arrest warrant.

Hopkins is believed to be the same man who robbed the Bank of Romney in Capon Bridge, WV on Monday, February 22nd, the PNC Bank in Chester, MD on Friday, February 19th, and the PNC Bank in Littlestown, PA on Wednesday, February 17th. Detectives have been in contact with these agencies and are working together on the respective cases.

Hopkins is currently in custody at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, while additional investigation takes place.

Mount Summer - Its starting to get warm!

WHO: All college and high school students looking to leap ahead and gain college credit during summer break.

WHAT: Mount St. Mary’s University’s Summer School opens registration this month with more courses available and offering variety of core classes and pre-requisites for many areas of study. There are three sessions, beginning June 1 through August of 2010. Courses taken at the Mount Summer School are accredited and accepted as transfer credits.

WHEN: Summer school registration opens February 22, 2010 for Session I. Please visit www.msmary.edu/summer or call 301-447-8329. WHY: Mount Summer School offers a step ahead with the tools to hit the ground running:

Top Ten Reasons to check out the Mount this summer:

1. Lighten your fall and spring course loads.
2. Retake a course that took you.
3. Complete your foreign language requirement.
4. Go rock climbing, kayaking, swimming & more.
5. Finish a 3-credit course in four weeks!
6. Pick up a few credits and still have summer fun.
7. Graduate on time.
8. Enjoy live outdoor music & movies on campus.
9. Please Mom & Dad by working on that minor.
10. Wear flip flops to class. (Oh wait, you already do that all year long!)

Hay Buying Basics for your Horse

We hope that this newsbyte finds all of you well as we begin our journey through 2010. Our goal is to provide a short newsbyte intermittently with educational and interesting information about equine wellness, medicine, and surgery. As some of you know, I enjoy talking about nutrition and so I thought that the first newsbyte could shed some light on Hay-Buying Basics.

How much do I need? Typically an adult horse will consume 1.0 to 2.0 percent of its body weight daily in forage. This would mean that a 1,000 pound horse would consume 10-20 lbs. of cured/baled (90% dry matter, 10% moisture) hay per day. A horse on pasture, consuming grass (20-30% dry matter, 70-80% moisture) would require significantly more intake, approximately 30-60 lbs daily because of the extra moisture content. With hay, it is a good practice to periodically weigh a flake to be sure that you are giving adequate amounts of forage.

What is the forage analysis on the hay I’m buying? A hay analysis is the only quantitative barometer of identifying good quality hay from poor quality hay. The analysis is so important that your purchase decisions may change based on the results.

What is Relative Feed Value (RFV)? When assessing your forage analysis, the RFV helps determine the digestibility & availability of nutrients. The higher the RFV, the higher the quality and availability of the nutrients.

What grain mix/supplement should I feed? The grain mix/supplement should always complement the quality and quantity of forage being provided to your horse according to their activity, age, and reproductive status. Please call or email if you have any questions.

Happy Trails!

Justin Sobota, MS, MSM, DVM

South Mountain Equine

Colonial Jewelers award winning video!

Promotions

PROMOTIONS; During the Feb 18th Mayor and Board of Alderman meeting Chief Kim C. Dine had the pleasure of promoting Sergeant Joseph Hayer and Corporal Marty Holt. Both officers were promoted after competing in the Departments promotion process, which uses outside consultants, as well as outside assessors to conduct portions of the written testing, scenario based exercises and performance reviews.

Upon being promoted, Sergeant Hayer was assigned as the Supervisor of Patrol Squad “E” and Corporal Holt as the Assistant Supervisor for Patrol Squad “G”.

Sgt. Hayer has been with the Department for 9 years and is assigned to the Patrol Division. While employed with the Frederick Police Department Sgt. Hayer has earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree and currently pursuing his second Masters Degree.

Cpl. Holt has been with the Department for 10 years and started his career in Law Enforcement as a dispatcher with the Department and later attended the police academy and served in the Patrol and Drug Enforcement Divisions. Corporal Holt holds a Bachelors Degree and served in the U.S. Navy.

Bank Robbery at PNC Bank in Littlestown

On Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at approximately 10:40 am, a white male robbed the PNC Bank on West King Street in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of money and fled the bank. He may have left in a small red vehicle according to Littlestown Police Chief Charles Kellar.

The suspect was described as a white male, 25 – 30 years of age, approximately 6’0” tall, weighing 230 – 250 lbs. The subject was wearing a black zippered Starter brand jacket, white tee shirt, blue jeans and a red Washington Nationals baseball cap.

Photographs obtained from Littlestown Police indicate the suspect is the same man who robbed the PNC Bank on W. Patrick St. on February 9th, the PNC Bank in the Frederick Shopping Center on Tuesday, February 2nd and who attempted to rob the BB&T Bank in the 1600 block of Rosemont Ave. on Monday, February 1st.

The Frederick Police Department is working with the Littlestown Police Department to identify the suspect in these robberies. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Kevin Forrest with the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-6219. Information can also be provided via the Frederick Police Department Crime Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS or FPDCrimeTip@frederickmdpolice.org. Additionally, anyone with information can contact Littlestown Police at 717-359-4511 or Adams County Crime Stoppers at 800-869-8057.

Snow at Baker Park

3, originally uploaded by STILES.john.

Assault on police officer

On today’s date, 02-16-10, officers from the Frederick Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to a Domestic Dispute at 1626 Colonial Way. As Sergeant Trapp arrived, he observed the male half of the dispute in the suspect’s vehicle in front 1626 Colonial Way. Sgt. Trapp had the male, who was identified himself as Apelogun, and began to ascertain what had occurred. OFC Hoxie soon arrived and Sgt. Trapp next made contact with the female victim, Ms. Jones. Sgt. Trapp observed that Ms. Jones was injured as a result of the assault from Mr. Apelogun, who lived with Ms. Jones at 1626 Colonial Way. When Sgt. Trapp advised OFC Hoxie to arrest Apelogun, Ms. Jones then struck Sgt. Trapp in the back and they become embroiled in a brief struggle as Ms. Jones was attempting to stop her boyfriend from being arrested. Sgt. Trapp was able to handcuff Ms. Jones as Apelogun was also resisting the arrest of OFC Hoxie. Both were finally handcuffed without further problems. It was only at Central Booking that OFC Hoxie was able to confirm Apelogun’s identity, as he had given a false name while on the scene of the arrest. Neither officer were injured as a result of the resistance of both arrestees.

Armed Robbery

On 02-14-10 at approximately 1923 hrs. Officers of the FPD Patrol Division responded to a reported armed robbery at 139 Willowdale Dr. Upon arrival it was reported that the female victim was returning home when she was approached by a B/M in dark clothing with a firearm. The suspect robbed the victim in front of her apartment and fled the area on foot. Responding officers were unable to locate the suspect and a K9 track was unsuccessful also. The scene was processed for evidence. The follow up investigation is being handled by CID.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-2100. Tips can be reported anonymously at 301-600-8477 or texted to 240-600-8477.

Abduction

On 02-14-10 at approximately 2230 hrs. Officers of the Frederick Police Department responded to the 1200 blk. of Danielle Drive for a reported abduction. Witnesses at that location told Police that a female had been abducted by two B/M’s with weapons. The suspects assaulted and forced the victim from a residence, loaded her into a vehicle, and left the area. While the initial investigation was being conducted it was discovered that the victim had been located on N. Clifton Rd. just outside the city. FPD Officers and FCSO Deputies responded to the area and located the victim. She had been beaten and left in the area by her abductors. The victim was transported to FMH by ambulance for treatment of her injuries. The injuries appear to be non life threatening at this time. The vehicle used by the suspects is described as a dark in color Toyota with tinted windows. Initial descriptions of the suspects are sketchy but it is believed they are known by the victim.

The follow up investigation is being conducted by CID.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-2100. Tips can be reported anonymously at 301-600-8477 or texted to 240-600-8477.

Office involved shooting

On 02/14/2010, at approximately 0534 hours officers from the Frederick Police Department responded to a report of a domestic incident within the city. While actively investigating the domestic officers received an additional report of shots being fired at passing vehicles in the area of Himes Avenue and Jefferson Pike. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with a male subject who was on foot on Himes Avenue believed to be the husband involved from the earlier domestic and involved in the shots fired call. Once on scene officers confronted a man armed with a firearm, at which time shots were fired and the man was struck. He has been transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for gun shots wounds.

The names of the officers involved in this incident are not being released at this time. The incident is currently under investigation and when further information is available it release it by press release.

UPDATE:

The Frederick Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting that occurred on Himes Avenue at Ellison Ct. It has been determined that two on duty uniformed patrol officers were involved in the shooting resulting in the death of Patrick John Fischer II, age 27, of Frederick. Both officers have been placed on Administrative leave. This action is in accordance with Department General Orders and is standard procedure.

As mentioned in the previous release, officers confronted Fischer, who was armed with a sawed off semi-automatic rifle. Officers gave several commands for Fischer to drop the firearm. Instead, Fischer pointed the firearm at officers on the scene. At this point, shots were fired and Fischer was struck several times. Officers immediately began performing first aid until EMS arrived. Fischer was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital where he later died of his injuries. An autopsy will be performed on February 15th at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

The Frederick Police Department is conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident in cooperation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.

To clarify earlier information, it has been determined that Fischer shot at a vehicle driving through the area, striking the vehicle and the driver, minutes before the confrontation with the officers. The injuries to the driver were non-life threatening.

The officers involved in the incident have been identified as follows:

Officer Kenneth Mogle, a 2 year veteran
Officer Charles Lawson, a 7 year veteran

Both officers are currently assigned to the Patrol Division.

Strong Arm Robbery

On 02/11/10 at approximately 9:20pm Frederick Police Officers responded to the area of Degrange St. and Phebus Ave. for a report of a strong arm robbery that just occurred. A female victim advised that as she was walking on Degrange St. she was approached by a B/M and B/F. The B/M, later identified as Anthony S. Alston, struck the victim and took an undisclosed amount of money from her. The money was handed to the female and both suspects fled the area.

As officers were conducting the initial investigation Mr. Alston returned to the area and the victim positively identified him as the person who robbed her. Mr. Alston fled as officers attempted to interview him. He was captured after a brief foot chase and taken into custody without further incident.

The female has not been located at this time. She is described as light skinned with “yellow eyes”

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or with further information is asked to contact the Frederick Police Department.

Arrested: Alston, Anthony Santonio

Bank Robbery at PNC Bank – 1205 W. Patrick St.

On Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at approximately 2:00 pm, a white male entered the PNC Bank located at 1205 W. Patrick St. and demanded money from a teller. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of money and fled the bank on foot. No weapon was displayed during the robbery. The suspect is described as a white male in his thirties with a beard and mustache. The subject had a heavy build and was wearing a dark zippered jacket and a red Washington Nationals baseball cap. An extensive search of the area was conducted, but the suspect was not located.

The suspect in this case matches the description of a man who robbed the PNC Bank in the Frederick Shopping Center on Tuesday, February 2^nd and who attempted to rob the BB&T Bank in the 1600 block of Rosemont Ave. on Monday, February 1^st. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Kevin Forrest with the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-6219. Information can also be provided via the Frederick Police Department Crime Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS or FPDCrimeTip@frederickmdpolice.org.

Snow Emergency

Frederick, Md. -- In light of the potential for a severe winter storm over this weekend with significant snow accumulation, Mayor Randy McClement will declare a Snow Emergency for The City of Frederick effective Friday, February 5, 2010 at 8:00 PM. Citizens will have a 2 hour time period in which to move their vehicles from designated snow emergency routes. During a Snow Emergency, City residents are not permitted to park on designated Snow Emergency Routes. Any vehicles parked on these streets may be towed at the owner’s expense. Vehicles traveling on Snow Emergency Routes will also be required to use snow tires or chains. Residents who reside on a snow emergency route are asked to plan ahead and park elsewhere or in one of the downtown parking decks. Enforcement will begin by the Frederick City Police Department at 10:00 PM, Friday, February 5th and will continue until the Snow Emergency has been lifted.

In an effort to provide relief to City residents and downtown patrons during this snow event, The City of Frederick will provide free parking at all four City parking decks after 8:00 PM Friday, February 5th. The City highly recommends residents use the West Patrick Street Parking Deck as space will be plentiful.

Residents and patrons parking in the decks over the weekend will need to have their vehicles out of the parking decks by 6:00 AM on Monday, February 8th. At that time, the deck goes back into full operation and residents will be charged for parking after 6:00 AM.

City of Frederick Parking Decks are located at:

* Church Street Parking Deck- 17 East Church Street
* Court Street Parking Deck - 2 South Court Street
* Carroll Street Parking Deck - 44 East Patrick Street
* West Patrick Street Deck - 138 West Patrick Street

Bank Robbery

On Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at approximately 12:00 pm, a white male entered the PNC Bank located at 1305 W. 7th St. and demanded money from a teller. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of money and fled the bank on foot. The suspect is described as a white male in his thirties with a beard and mustache. The subject was tall with a heavy build, wearing a blue jacket and white ball cap. An extensive search of the area was conducted, but the suspect was not located.

The suspect in this case matches the description of a man who attempted to rob the BB&T Bank in the 1600 block of Rosemont Ave. on Monday, February 1st. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Kevin Forrest with the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-6219. Information can also be provided via the Frederick Police Department Crime Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS or FPDCrimeTip@frederickmdpolice.org.