Fallston Man Shot And Killed After Assaulting Three Police Officers

A Maryland State Trooper has apparently shot and killed a man in Fallston earlier today after responding to a dispute.

Reports to The Dagger indicate deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were on the scene of the disturbance call in the 2700 block of Lakeland Drive.

Apparently the man, who is known by law enforcement, broke into the Fallston house early this morning, which precipitated the call to 911.

HCSO arrived slightly before MSP and the man started fighting with a responding deputy and reaching for his gun. Police used a Taser on the man twice before the MSP trooper opened fire - hitting him first in the chest and then in the forehead.

Responders then began to administer life saving measures on the man, but were not successful.

Reports indicate there was a significant amount of blood so all law enforcement at the scene had to go to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for blood testing. The HCSO deputies involved are on administrative leave and being tested for post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Here is the full Maryland State Police press release:

HARFORD COUNTY MAN FATALLY WOUNDED AFTER ASSAULTING THREE POLICE OFFICERS

(Fallston, MD) – A man who threatened relatives after breaking into their Harford County home early this morning was fatally wounded by a state trooper when he violently assaulted the three responding police officers and attempted to gain control of a deputy’s gun.

The deceased man is identified as John M. Abbate, 52, of the100-block of Fidely Drive, Fallston, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be taken to the Office of the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

Shortly after 4:30 a.m. today, a Harford County 9-1-1 call was received from the home of Randall G. Willis, 51, in the 2700-block of Lakeland Drive, Fallston. Willis reported that Abbate, who was married to his sister, had broken into his house and was being violent. While police were on their way, Abbate allegedly threatened to kill Willis’ wife and said he could get a gun from his vehicle.

The preliminary investigation indicates two Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies and one state trooper from the Bel Air Barracks responded to the call. They confronted Abbate inside the home and ordered him to take his hand out of his pocket. Abbate, who was described as being about 6 feet tall and about 300 pounds, refused all commands from police and lunged at the deputies.

A violent struggle ensued that involved all three police officers. Deputies used a Taser twice, but it had no effect on Abbate, who reportedly pulled the Taser prongs from his body. The trooper used an expandable baton, which also had no effect.

When Abbate attempted to choke one of deputies, the trooper and second deputy both attempted to intervene. Abbate threw both police officers off and reportedly picked up the trooper and slammed him onto a computer table.

Abbate continued to assault the deputy and attempted to pull the deputy’s gun from its holster. In fear for the life of the deputy and the lives of all three officers if Abbate gained control of the gun, the trooper fired his Department issued Beretta Px4 Storm .40 caliber pistol. Abbate was fatally wounded.

Investigators have not verified a clear motive for Abbate’s actions at this time. Information has been obtained indicating he was having domestic problems.

The trooper is identified as Trooper First Class Sean Harris, 27, who is assigned to road patrol duties at the Bel Air Barracks. TFC Harris has been a trooper for 6.5 years.

He was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for injuries to his arms and legs. He was released and will be recuperating at home. TFC Harris will be on administrative leave, which is procedure after a police involved shooting.

One of the two deputies was also taken to an area hospital. He was treated for back and neck injuries.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation. The State Police Internal Affairs Unit is also conducting an administrative investigation which is procedure in police-involved shootings.

Two-Alarm Townhouse Fire In Aberdeen On Thanksgiving Eve

On Wednesday at 1643 hours, the Hose Company was alerted for an engine to respond as part of the box assignment for 728 Custis Street, in the 213 box area. Engine 512 (w/6), which was enroute to a 10-50 PI in the 541 box area, marked up immediately after alert. Engine 215 was first to arrive at 1647 hours with heavy fire showing from a middle of the group townhouse with exposures on the bravo and delta sides. Engine 512, which was instructed by command to take the charlie side, arrived shortly after Engine 215 and quickly went to work. Continue reading Two-Alarm Townhouse Fire In Aberdeen On Thanksgiving Eve

Give A Little Back This Thanksgiving To Those Who Give So Much To Us

If you missed the Second Annual Bulle Rock Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving morning, there are still ways to give something back to the Susquehanna Hose Company and all the other local fire, rescue, police and military agencies and personnel who give so much to us 365 days a year.

The Turkey Trot is a 5K route through Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace organized by HeartSmart with all funds going toward the purchase of new fire and rescue equipment for the Susquehanna Hose Company. Continue reading Give A Little Back This Thanksgiving To Those Who Give So Much To Us

North Harford Burglary/Theft Suspect Captured

(Harford County, MD – November 20, 2008) – Harford County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Timothy James Saxon, 28, of Graystone Road, Whitehall, MD in connection with several burglaries occurring throughout Northern Harford County.

Between October 19th and October 27th 2008, the Sheriff’s Office received several reports for thefts from vehicles and garages in the area of Baldwin, Fallston, and Jarrettsville. There are well over thirty related incidents with the majority of the thefts occurring from unlocked or open vehicles and garages.

Four Baltimore Raven’s football tickets taken from a vehicle in the 2800 block of Glen Elyn Way, Baldwin, MD led deputies to two possible suspects. Deputies located two individuals, not the suspects, whohad purchased the tickets, and recovered these tickets at M & T Stadium on Sunday October 26, 2008.

Through the investigation and witness statements obtained by the Northern Precinct Investigation Unit, deputies determined Saxon was involved in the thefts and burglaries. Approximately $50,000.00 of electronics and other equipment stolen during the thefts and burglaries have been recovered.

Saxon was charged on October 28, 2008 with several counts of theft over $500.00, several counts of theft under $500.00, entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft from within the vehicle, and using a credit card to commit fraudulent charges. Saxon is currently being held on $20,000.00 bond at the Harford County Detention Center.

As the investigation continues, deputies expect to charge a second suspect involved in the incidents and additional charges may be pending against Saxon. Several items recovered, however have not been claimed, include: iPods, power tools, car stereos, electronics, and climbing equipment. If you have had items stolen and believe it may be related to these thefts, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Northern Precinct Investigative Unit at 410-692-7862.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to be aware of their surroundings and immediately report suspicious incidents, persons, or vehicles.

Citizens can reduce the opportunity for burglary, either to a home or vehicle, by following these simple measures:

- lock all doors and windows, to both your vehicle and home;

- maintain proper control over your house keys and garage door openers;

- utilize proper security lighting;

- trim bushes and trees away from windows and doors;

- add an audible alarm to your vehicle; and,

- when possible, park your vehicle in the driveway or in a well lit area.

Sheriff’s Office Tips For Preventing Theft From Motor Vehicles This Winter

(Harford County, MD, November 20, 2008) – Vehicle thefts often increase during the colder months. Many of these thefts occur when cars are parked but left running in driveways or at convenience stores. In addition, thefts from vehicles have increased over the past year. Many of these thefts occur when cars are parked in driveways or along neighborhood streets.

The popularity of GPS, radar detectors, cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices often attract thieves. Teenagers as well as adults often commit these crimes in residential areas, walking from vehicle to vehicle, lifting door handles to see if they can find one unlocked and/or running.

“These circumstances are categorized as crimes of opportunity because unless the opportunity presents itself, the perpetrators usually do notcommit the crime,” said Sgt. Kevin Thomas, supervisor of the Community Policing Unit.

The opportunity arises when vehicles are left unsecured, running, and items of value are left in the vehicle. When the perpetrators find an unlocked vehicle, they will open the door and take whatever is easily removable from the vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips to reduce the risk of being a victim of theft from your car.

- Always turn your car off when not occupied. Maryland Vehicle Law section 21-1101 prohibits the following: “…a person driving or otherwise in charge of a motor vehicle may not leave it unattended until the engine is stopped, the ignition locked, the key removed, and the brake effectively set.” Violation of this statute may result in a fine of $70.00 or more.

- Always lock your vehicle when it is parked. Criminals prey on the easy victim. By simply locking your vehicle the criminal will usually move on.

- Hide or take it with you. Do not leave purses, wallets, or loose money in your vehicle. If your purse or wallet is taken you could become the victim of other crimes such as stolen checks, credit cards, or even identity theft. Electronics and their accessories including cell phone holders, suction cups,power cords, etc., should be placed out of site, when you are not in your car.

- Park your vehicle in your driveway or garage when possible. If you have a garage or access to a garage, use it and lock it. If you have an attached garage make sure the door between the house and garage is always locked. If your garage door opener is stolen from your vehicle, you risk giving the criminal access to your entire home.

- Park in a well lit area. Lighting is a deterrent. If a thief has to work in the light, the greater the chance he/she will be caught.

Consider starting or actively participating in a Neighborhood Watch Program. Neighborhood Watch is designed to reduce criminal opportunity and prevent crime through awareness, education, and cooperation between the community and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. To learn more about Neighborhood Watch, contact the Harford County Sheriff’s OfficeCommunity Policing Unit at neighborhoodwatch@harfordsheriff.org.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Take On The Boy Scouts

Come Enjoy the Fall Ball Classic

When: Sunday, November 23, 2008

Where: Patterson Mill High School

Who: Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies vs. The Boy Scouts of America

When: Gates Open at 2:30pm
Pregame starts at 3:00pm

Cost: $ 4.00 Youth (18 or younger)
$ 6.00 Adults

Tickets available at the gate, or in advance at the Harford County Sheriff’s Office through Linda Thompson, Office of the Sheriff, 410-836-5444.

Delegate Wayne Norman to Introduce Tough New Hit-and-Run Legislation

Harford County Delegate Wayne Norman (District 35-A) announced today that he will introduce legislation to update and strengthen Maryland’s motor vehicle laws with respect to hit-and-run driving offenses.

The legislation, which will be formally introduced when the General Assembly reconvenes in January, will significantly increase the criminal and administrative penalties for drivers who leave accident scenes without stopping or rendering aid.

Delegate Norman’s effort to crack down on hit-and-run offenses is in response to last week’s deadly crash in Bel Air, caused by a driver who only hours before his Bel Air crash was cited by police for leaving the scene of a serious accident in Joppa. In the Joppa accident, the driver allegedly crossed the center line and hit an oncoming car carrying several children. The children were later taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. As reported in the media, the driver responsible for both accidents has a lengthily record littered with various driving and criminal offenses.

“Clearly, this driver had no business being behind the wheel following his hit-and-run offense in Joppa,” said Delegate Norman. “However, after examining Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Law, I now realize how relatively weak the current law is when it comes to most hit-and-run offenses. The law needs to be strengthened to reflect the seriousness and coldness of a driver who leaves the scene of an accident without assisting the victim or reporting the accident.”

Under Delegate Norman’s bill, hit-and-run situations that involve children or result in significant damage to a vehicle or other property will now be treated as a much more serious offense than under current law, subjecting the offender to fines and imprisonment six-times greater than the maximum penalty allowed today. The penalties for most other hit-and-run offenses will be increased, as well.

“Today, only hit-and-run violations that result in death or a serious physical injury subject an offender to tough repercussions,” Delegate Norman said. “That has to change.”

In addition to increasing both the minimum and maximum prison sentences for serious hit-and-run offenses, the legislation would increase the administrative penalties for drivers who leave an accident scene without stopping or rendering aid.

Under the legislation, leaving the scene of an accident without stopping or rendering aid will result in the immediate suspension of the offender’s driver’s license in situations when the accident results in death, bodily harm, or significant vehicular or other property damage. Moreover, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will be required to further suspend or completely revoke the offender’s driver’s license following conviction, depending on the severity of the accident and the offender’s past driving record.

Delegate Norman, a Republican, stated that it his intention to introduce a bi-partisan bill that will include several Democratic and Republican co-sponsors.

Delegate Norman was one of several Harford County public officials who wrote to the Governor and Maryland Transportation Secretary John Porcari requesting the construction of a barrier wall along a dangerous stretch of the U.S. Rt. 1 Bypass in Bel Air, the site of the horrendous accident that took the lives of a young mother and her son.

“On The Move…Riding With Harford Transit” Meeting Set For Nov. 25 in Aberdeen

(Bel Air, MD – November 14, 2008) - - The Harford County Transportation Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2008 will offer a unique travel training session, “On the Move…Riding with Harford Transit.” Harford County employers from both the public and private sectors, whose employees access public transit, will benefit from attending this session. The meeting will take place from 9:00– 10:30 AM in Room 130 of the Higher Education and Applied Technology (HEAT) Center, 1201 Technology Drive in Aberdeen.

For the first time, Harford County employers can take advantage of Harford Transit services by understanding how to read the new schedules and how to plan trips. This practical and readily usable information can be applied immediately at the worksite to assist those employees who use public transportation to get to and from their workplace. Attendees will learn how to use Harford Transit efficiently and effectively.

Members of the Transportation Management Association are advocates for convenient, effective and efficient transportation to meet the needs of Harford County citizens, businesses, and government. For more information, contact Pat Fielder, Harford County Department of Community Services’ Rideshare Coordinator, at 40-638-3069.

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.

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