Second Arrest Made In Havre de Grace Homicide Investigation

On October 8, 2008 at 10:55 pm the Havre de Grace Police Department received a call to investigate a report of a person lying in a private yard in the 100 block of Bloomsbury Avenue here in Havre de Grace.

Police located an African American male unresponsive and suffering from a wound to his neck, at that location. Paramedics arrived and the victim was pronounced deceased at 11:06 pm.

Crime Lab Personnel from the Aberdeen Police Department responded to assist in process the scene. A knife has been recovered and is being held for further forensic testing.

The victim has been identified as Christopher Adam Fisher, age 25 of Edgewood, Maryland.

Mr. Fisher died as the result of a homicide.

On October 9, 2008 members of the Havre de Grace Police Department Criminal Investigation Division arrested and charged an individual in the homicide of Christopher Adam Fisher.

Charged with 1st and 2nd degree murder, manslaughter and 1st degree assault is Johnny R. Serrano, age 19. He was initially arrested in the 3700 block of Rock Run Road, Havre de Grace, at his residence, for an unrelated outstanding fugitive warrant from Florida. After a short period of time, while in custody, he was charged in the death of Christopher Fisher, at the Havre de Grace Police Department.

On November 14, 2008, a second person was charged in connection with the death of Christopher Fisher. Danielle Nichole Totoro, age 24, of the 100 block of O’Neal Court, Havre de Grace, Maryland.

The defendant in this matter has been charged with Murder 1st Degree, Accessory after the Fact, Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotic, CDS Possess Not Marijuana and several other Controlled Substance violations. She was served at the Harford County Detention Center where she has been incarcerated since November 6, 2008 on CDS charges stemming from the homicide investigation of Mr. Fisher.

Bail Denied For Driver In Double-Fatal Bel Air Bypass Crash

The bail review hearing for Christopher H. Lentz was today, Friday November 14 in the District Court for Harford County. Lentz appeared view telecast from the Harford Detention Center. He was in a wheelchair, had a large scar on his forehead, a severally bruised right eye socket, and numerous cuts and abrasions on his recently shaven-bald face. The Public Defender stated that Lentz’s jaw was wired shut, that his eye socket was broken, that his knee was broken, and that he had numerous other broken and fractured bones.

The Public Defender further stated that because of his injuries and ties to the community, Lentz was not a flight risk and that bail should be reduced to $50,000. The approximately 75 people packing the court room murmurred “no” to the request, with evident disquiet.

It was also stated that Lentz is 37 years old, is a Perry Hall High School graduate, and has been living “with his folks” for four years, since he was divorced.

Lentz covered his forehead and broken eye socket with his hand while the prosecuting attorney described the accident scene and Lentz’ previous record. She stated that Lentz had 8 previous charges and 4 convictions for various charges including theft, heroin use, and distributing marijuana. Of more concern, she stated, was that Lentz had been in an accident earlier that day and that his driving record was poor. From the quick list the attorney read, Lentz’ driving record began when he was 19. He had a speeding ticket in 1990, a ticket for driving on a sidewalk in 1991, a ticket in 1992 and one in 1993, four convictions in 1994, ticket in 1999 and 2000, a DUI in 2004, and two convictions in 2005.

The crowd applauded when the judge ruled that Lentz would be denied bail.

Driver In Fatal Bel Air Bypass Crash Arrested And Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter

MARYLAND STATE POLICE ARREST MAN INVOLVED IN TWO HARFORD COUNTY CRASHES

(Bel Air, MD) – This evening the Maryland State Police have arrested the motorist involved in two Harford County crashes which occurred on Friday, November 7, 2008.

The accused is Christopher H. Lentz, 37, of the 5600-block of Bell Gwynn Road in Glen Arm, Maryland. He is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for the crash that occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Friday which killed two people. These charges can result in a $5000 fine and/or ten years in prison. Additional charges are pending.

Lentz was arrested by Maryland State Police from the Bel Air Barrack at his home at approximately
5:00 p.m. this evening. He was taken to the barracks for processing and then transported to the Harford County central booking center to await an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

Wolkow Tells Edgewood - Harford Voters Would Not Elect Diverse Board of Education

School board member Mark Wolkow has led the charge to ensure Harford County Board of Education members are appointed by the Governor, rather than elected by the voters. Now we know why.

In the following letter to The Dagger, Edgewood Community Council President Jansen Robinson shares an e-mail Wolkow sent to leaders in the Edgewood community, warning them of the dangers of elections and drumming up support for a dressed-up version of the broken-down Permanent Nominating Caucus.

Along the way, Wolkow makes plenty of strange and erroneous arguments. But one in particular stands out. Continue reading Wolkow Tells Edgewood - Harford Voters Would Not Elect Diverse Board of Education

Dems Stay On A Roll: Hiob Selected City Council President In Aberdeen

First they took back the White House. Then they surged to an overwhelming majority of the U.S. Senate. Just yesterday, they claimed Maryland’s 1st District Congressional seat.

Now it appears the Democrats have retained the Office of the President of the Aberdeen City Council. On Monday night, the Aberdeen City Council selected councilman Mike Hiob, Democrat, to serve as its president for the next year.

Sure, only 5 people could vote in this election (Aberdeen’s mayor and 4 city council members). Yes, the odds might have been stacked in their favor (no fewer than 3 of the 5 members are Democrats). Of course, Aberdeen municipal elections are (ostensibly) nonpartisan. True, Hiob won the presidency from another Democrat (councilwoman Ruth Elliott). Nevertheless, this is another win in a recent string of impressive victories for the Democratic Party.

The victory didn’t come without its perils, however. Hiob faced opposition from Elliott, who had unseated him as president just a year ealier. In the end, Hiob was once again crowned president by a vote of 4-1. Elliott cast the lone vote of dissent.

Harris Concedes Kratovil Victory, Local GOP Commends Harford For Fair Election

Leading his 1st District Congressional opponent by fewer than 1,000 votes when the polls closed on Election Day, Democrat Frank Kratovil more than doubled his lead over Republican challenger Andy Harris in the subsequent days as the provisional, absentee and overseas ballots were counted.

At about noon today, once it became clear he would not be able to make up the widening gap, Harris conceded to 1st District race to Kratovil.

Here is Harris’ full concession speech:

“First, before we begin, I want to thank all of our veterans on this Veterans Day. Without their sacrifices throughout our history, we would not be here to talk about our peaceful, free, and democratic elections in America. Remember our fighting men and women still in uniform in your prayers tonight.

The last 17 months have been an incredible journey. This journey would not have been possible without the loving support of my wife, Cookie, and our five children. This journey would also not have been anywhere nearly as exciting or successful without the support of my dedicated campaign staff and the hundreds of volunteers from all over the First Congressional District who worked so hard on this effort.

During this campaign, I have also had the privilege of meeting thousands of amazing, hard-working people throughout the district who just want to earn a piece of the American Dream. And I am truly humbled by the tremendous support I received from the voters on Election Day.

Earlier today, I called Frank Kratovil to congratulate him personally on his victory in this long and hard fought campaign - and to wish him and his family well. We vigorously debated many issues throughout this campaign, but now it is time for us all to come together as Americans united to solve the many serious problems facing this country. President-Elect Obama and all those who serve in Washington DC will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Obviously, the election results did not turn out the way I would have liked. But we all must celebrate our election process, and never take it for granted. Decades ago, my parents fled Communism and came to the United States with the hope of a better, freer life for themselves and their children. But I don’t think they ever dared to imagine that this great country of ours would even give one of their children the opportunity to run for Congress. Their experience - the American experience - instilled in me a great respect for all our freedoms, and our democratic election process - even when the result of the election doesn’t quite turn out as we would have hoped.

For now, I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Maryland as a State Senator. As I have for the past ten years, I will continue to support all our families by fighting for lower taxes and less wasteful government spending in Annapolis - an especially important task in these difficult economic times.

Thank you again for all of your support. God Bless all of you, and God Bless this great country we call America.”

Even though their candidate lost, the Harford County Republican Central Committee issued a letter thanking the Board of Elections for administering a fair election and standing up to “tremendous pressure from outside attorneys” - a jab at the Democratic National Committee, which sent lawyers to Forest Hill from Washington D.C. to scrutinize the absentee and provisional ballots coming into the heavily-Republican, pro-Harris county.

Dear Editor:

I would like to commend the Harford County Board of Elections on its fair administration of this year’s election. In the face of tremendous pressure from outside attorneys to throw out absentee ballots, the Board conducted itself with the utmost professionalism and made sure that Harford County votes mattered. I would particularly like to commend Election Director Jim Massey and his entire staff, as well as Board Counsel Carolyn Evans for their conduct throughout this process. I know that the staff at the Board of Elections has put in tremendous numbers of hours over the past few months and the voters of Harford County should be proud of these public servants.

Harford County clearly showed once again that it supports the Republican Party and its candidates. Obviously, many fellow citizens of the United States and other parts of Maryland disagreed with the majority of Harford voters. I congratulate President-Elect Obama and the members of Congress who were elected. I also congratulate Frank Kratovil on his likely election to Congress. However, there are still ballots to be counted in the First District race, including military ballots. It is my belief that every vote counts and that we owe it to our troops to count their votes.

I want to thank everyone in Harford County who voted for our candidates, but I particularly need to thank the team that made the McCain-campaign in Harford County a possibility.

Harford County Young Republican President Brian Young did a tremendous job of acting as my right hand in Harford County for this campaign. Teresa Reilly also played a crucial role in the campaign. I also need to recognize Councilman Chad Shrodes, Bob Holley, and Sylvia Delong for getting our signs out. Greg Selzer, Steve Wright, Lee Merrell, Paul Magness, Dave Price, Sue Melefsky, and Bob Thomas are just a few who worked tirelessly on this campaign. There are hundreds of others who also volunteered their time, made calls, knocked on doors, or put up signs and we are extremely grateful to each of them.

The Republican Club of Harford County, Harford County Republican Women, Route 40 Republican Club, Harford County Young Republicans, and the Harford County Republican Central Committee each made tremendous donations of resources to the campaign and are an integral party of the Harford County Republican Party.

Rest assured that the Republican Party in Harford County is alive and well and will continue to work for responsible government.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Geppi

Chairman
Harford County Republican Party

Two Crashes, Two Deaths In Two Hours For Bel Air Bypass Driver

SAME INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN TWO HARFORD COUNTY CRASHES

(Bel Air, MD) – Maryland State Police have confirmed the individual involved in the Harford County fatal crash on Friday, November 7, 2008 had been involved in another crash less than two hours before.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, the Maryland State Police charged Christopher Lentz, 37, of the 5600-block of Bell Gwynn Road in Glen Arm, Maryland with the following: failure to drive right of center, failure to immediately stop vehicle at scene of accident, failure of driver involved in accident to give insurance policy information, and failure to control speed to avoid collision. The charges resulted from a crash that troopers from the Bel Air Barrack responded to at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The preliminary investigation reveals that Lentz was operating a 1999 Chevrolet Express van traveling northbound on Route 152, north of Greenspring Avenue in Joppa, Maryland. Lentz reportedly crossed over the center line and sideswiped a 2003 Ford van traveling southbound.

The operator of the Ford van, Karen Williams, 44, of the 1200-block of Old Mountain Road North in Joppa was transporting seven children between the ages of 3 and 16. Williams was not injured. The seven passengers were transported by ambulance to Upper Chesapeake Hospital for precautionary reasons.

While investigating the crash, state troopers located Lentz in his company vehicle about one-half mile north of the scene. The vehicle had been disabled as a result of the collision.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. that same evening, troopers from the Bel Air Barrack responded to a multi-vehicle crash on the Route 1 bypass north of Route 24 in Harford County. Lentz was the driver of the 2004 Jeep Cherokee involved in the crash.

Charges are pending on the second crash. Troopers from the Bel Air Barrack and the Maryland State Police CRASH team are consulting with the Harford County’s State Attorney regarding both incidents as the investigation continues.

Three-Vehicle Crash On Bel Air Bypass Traps Several People And Kills Two

The Bel Air Bypass was closed in both directions between Route 24 and Vale Road for about 7 hours Friday after a three-vehicle, head-on, double-fatality accident occurred around 5 p.m.

Four people were trapped in one of the vehicles - a minivan believed to be carrying several children - and two Medevac helicopters have transported the pediatric patients to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. A Johns Hopkins doctor was also transported to the scene of the accident by helicopter to help rescuers remove two additional victims who were said to be heavily entrapped in a vehicle. A third Medevac was on the way to take yet another pediatric patient to the hospital. Continue reading Three-Vehicle Crash On Bel Air Bypass Traps Several People And Kills Two

Problems With Absentee Ballots Have All Eyes On Harford Board Of Elections

The Dagger is hearing that there is some sort of problem or discrepancy with the absentee ballot counting in Harford County which has lawyers and representatives from the local Republican and Democratic parties speeding to the Board of Elections office in Forest Hill.

Apparently, the tallying was expected to be completed today, but now won’t be finished until tomorrow due to the situation.

With fewer than 1,000 votes separating 1st Distrist congressional candidates Andy Harris and Frank Kratovil, the hotly contested race will be decided by the outstanding absentee and provisional ballots.

Harford County voted strongly for Harris and could be key to pulling out the congressional victory.

Harford Votes For McCain/Harris/Slots: Unofficial 2008 Presidential General Election Results

Bucking state and national trends and once again showing its conservative leanings, Harford County voted overwhelmingly for Sen. John McCain as president and state senator Andy Harris as congressman - both of whom were losing when the polls closed Tuesday night.

Among Harford County residents who voted on Election Day, McCain garnered 66,744 votes (58.5%) to eventual president-elect Barack Obama’s 44,601 votes (39.1%). Similarly, Harris brought in 33,959 votes (56.9%) to opponent Frank Kratovil’s 24,074 votes (40.3%). The Harris/Kratovil contest remains tight statewide with the candidates separated by about 1,000 votes. The new 1st District Congressman may not be named until later this week after overseas and provisional ballots are counted.

When it came to the ballot questions, Harford County voters were in line with the rest of Maryland, voting in support of both early voting and legalization of slot machine gambling. Continue reading Harford Votes For McCain/Harris/Slots: Unofficial 2008 Presidential General Election Results

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