Maryland News

**Man injured in Greenbelt stabbing incident late night**

Greenbelt, MD – Officers responded to a report of a stabbing Thursday night at 11:26 p.m. An adult male suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

The incident occurred in the 9200 block of Springhill Lane. Police advised the public to avoid the area to facilitate their investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Greenbelt Police Department at 301-474-7200.

Juvenile arrested after displaying ghost gun in Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD – A 16-year-old male from Columbia was arrested recently after police recovered an unserialized privately-made handgun, known as a “ghost gun.” This follows an incident where the suspect displayed the weapon during a verbal altercation at an apartment complex parking lot in late September.

The incident started when a victim reported the altercation. No injuries were reported in connection with the event that prompted police attention.

Investigators were able to identify the suspect through their inquiries. A search warrant executed this week resulted in the recovery of the ghost gun.

The suspect has been charged as an adult with weapon violations. Authorities have reiterated the need for public safety and the risks posed by illegal firearms.

Patrol officers and the crime reduction team were involved in the incident. The swift actions by law enforcement led to the apprehension of the suspect.

Police continue to take measures against gun violence and illegal weapons in the community. They encourage the public to remain vigilant.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about juvenile access to firearms and the potential dangers they pose to the community.

Another illegal handgun is off the streets as police clamp down on gun violence.

Cumberland man arrested after domestic assault standoff with police

CUMBERLAND, MD – A domestic assault incident led to the arrest of a Cumberland man after a standoff with police on Shriver Avenue. Officers responded to a report of domestic violence on Monday afternoon.

The complainant reported that Malachi David Thorton, 28, allegedly barricaded himself inside his residence with a six-month-old child. Upon the arrival of officers, the child was returned to the victim.

Thorton retreated into the home and locked the door, prompting police to escalate their response. Officers discovered that Thorton had an active arrest warrant at the time of the incident.

While on-scene, Thorton exited onto the rooftop with a knife and threatened officers, before returning inside the residence. In response to the situation, the Cumberland Police Emergency Response Team and Crisis Negotiators were deployed.

After several hours of negotiations, Thorton was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center for a bond review.

The Cumberland Police Department thanked the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the incident.

Malachi Thorton now faces serious charges following a tense standoff with authorities.

Dangerous drug dealer arrested, released within hours

EDGEWOOD, MD – Andrew Styron Jr., 35, of Nottingham, Maryland, was arrested on October 6 by detectives from the Harford County Drug Task Force after investigations into drug trafficking activity. The operation was supported by the Special Response Team.

In August, detectives received a tip regarding an individual distributing controlled dangerous substances in Harford County. They identified Styron through surveillance conducted at his residence in the 8000 block of Sandpiper Circle throughout September.

On October 6, an undercover detective arranged a meeting for a narcotics transaction at the 2100 block of Emmorton Park Road in Edgewood. Styron was arrested without incident upon arrival at the location.

A search of Styron’s vehicle and residence uncovered approximately 1,420 grams of fentanyl powder, 275 grams of fentanyl capsules, 180 grams of crack cocaine, and 720 grams of cutting agents. Authorities also seized over $550,000 in cash linked to the case.

After his arrest, Styron was taken to the Harford County Detention Center and charged with multiple offenses related to drug possession and distribution. He was released shortly thereafter on a $25,000 bond.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office obtained an additional warrant for Styron, leading to his arrest again on October 13 with help from the Baltimore County Police Department. He remains held in Baltimore County without bond.

Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler stated that the release of Styron shortly after his arrest is a result of Maryland’s laws impacting public safety. “Our deputies risk their lives to protect this community, but the court system sends a message that it does not value the safety of the community,” he said.

Styron’s brief tenure on the streets raises concerns about the implications of legal policies affecting law enforcement efforts.

Frederick man sentenced to life for murder

FREDERICK, MD – Santos Felipe Reyes Valle, 40, received a life sentence for first-degree murder in Frederick County Circuit Court on Thursday. Judge Kathleen English imposed the sentence after a jury found Valle guilty on June 23.

The charges stemmed from an incident on May 17, when Frederick Police responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive male in the Home Depot parking lot. They located the victim, Jose Pedro Hernandez, who had been stabbed in the neck and was covered in blood.

Emergency Medical Services transported Hernandez to Frederick Health Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses reported seeing Valle, known as “Felipe,” with a knife and displaying signs of intoxication.

A folding knife with blood was discovered nearby in a wooded area. Police interviewed Valle, who was walking near the scene and had wet clothing and scratches on his face and arms.

Forensic analysis linked the knife to Valle, identifying both his DNA and fingerprints alongside that of the victim.

In Victim Impact Statements, Hernandez’s family expressed grief and requested that the defendant never be released from prison. “Pedro was the head of our family and it has affected us greatly,” they said.

Deputy State’s Attorney Kirsten Brown and Assistant State’s Attorney Tyler Cejka represented the State of Maryland in this case.

A life sentence ensures Valle will remain behind bars for his brutal crime.

Detectives arrest man in sex trafficking investigation

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Police arrested 38-year-old Ricardo Sawyer in connection to a sex trafficking investigation involving multiple juvenile victims. Detectives from the Special Victims Unit and Crimes Against Children Unit became aware of the situation over the summer.

Investigators reported that Sawyer approached victims both in-person and through social media. Methods included distributing pamphlets and business cards to potential victims.

While multiple victims have been identified, authorities believe more individuals may still be at risk. The police urge anyone with information to reach out to the Crimes Against Children Unit at 410-887-7720.

This investigation was conducted alongside the FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Sawyer is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center facing several sex offense charges.

Authorities continue to seek additional victims to come forward regarding Sawyer’s actions.

Baltimore County Police Department remains dedicated to addressing sex trafficking in the area.

This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and human trafficking.

Police arrest driver in loaded handgun bust

GLEN BURNIE, MD — A traffic stop conducted by police on Thursday night led to the discovery of a loaded handgun inside a vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the area of Ritchie Highway and Furnace Branch Road East.

Officers stopped a gray 2004 Buick due to a registration violation. During the stop, a 9mm Taurus handgun was found in the passenger compartment.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Arielle Ocatavia McGregor from Suitland, Maryland, was arrested and charged.

In a separate incident on Thursday afternoon, officers responded to a robbery in the 1400 block of Knightsbridge Turn in Crofton. At approximately 12:40 p.m., a 22-year-old male victim reported that a male suspect was stealing copper wire from his truck.

The suspect threatened the victim by implying he had a firearm before fleeing the scene in a white Dodge SUV. Police searched the area but did not locate the suspect or the vehicle.

Western District detectives are investigating this robbery. They urge anyone with information to contact 410-222-6155 or the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.

The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a red jacket.

An active investigation is underway following these incidents, stressing community safety.