WHITEHALL – Harford County Detectives have arrested a Baltimore County man during an investigation into two fatal overdoses in Harford County.
On October 25, 2021, deputies assigned to the Southern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2200 block of Dunwood Lane in Joppa for the report of a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male deceased from a fatal drug overdose. A few months later, on January 21, 2022, deputies assigned to the Northern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 5300 block of Norrisville Road in White Hall, also for the report of a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male deceased from a fatal drug overdose.
In both incidents, the death investigations were assumed by detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division. As with all fatal overdoses, information regarding both overdoses was provided to the Special Investigations Division for further follow-up to identify the opioid supplier.
During the investigation, detectives developed information linking both fatal overdoses. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Kenneth Baker, 21, of Towson as a heroin dealer, selling in Harford County. Detectives with the Harford County Narcotics Task Force, a Baltimore Washington Area HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) initiative supported organization, and deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit took Baker into custody without incident on January 21, 2022, in Edgewood, the same day as the second fatal overdose. Baker has been charged with multiple counts of CDS possession with intent to distribute and CDS possession not marijuana. After an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, Baker was released on $5,000 bond. This investigation is active and ongoing, no further information will be released at this time.
Following Baker’s arrest, Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler remarked, “in 2021, heroin killed 70 people in Harford County. The members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force continue to tirelessly target those responsible for dealing death in our County. The heroin epidemic is not over, and the efforts of our detectives make it clear; if you deal drugs in Harford County, we will find you!”