Harford County Council restores funding to Sheriff's Office area and training academy

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — In a significant decision last night, the Harford County Council voted unanimously to restore funding to the Harford County Sheriff's Office for the Central Precinct and Training Academy project. This decision reverses a previous item in the FY 2022 budget that would have removed $21 million allocated for this critical public safety initiative.

During the council meeting, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “As the elected sheriff of Harford County, my primary responsibility is the overall safety of the members of our community. When it comes to public safety, there is no more vital public safety project in my opinion than that of the Central City and the Training Academy. He expressed gratitude to the council for its continued support, which he called essential for the safety of citizens and support for law enforcement and corrections officers.

The funding ensures that the Central Precinct and Training Academy will proceed as planned, representing a significant investment in the safety infrastructure of Harford County's rapidly growing community. The sheriff's office and local officials hailed the council's decision as a victory for public safety and the well-being of the community.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, PA — A 47-year-old man was arrested following a tense standoff with the Allegheny County Police Department SWAT team in Harrison Township. The incident occurred early in the morning of June 11, as local police attempted to enforce an involuntary committal order.

Police arrived at a residence on Linden Street around 1:27 a.m. and found the man armed with a knife. He then barricaded himself inside the home, leading to a call for negotiators from Allegheny County police. As negotiations began, the man, who was armed with several knives, retreated to a bedroom, prompting the SWAT team to intervene.

After lengthy negotiations, SWAT officers deployed an irritant into the home, leading the man to exit the home and charge toward officers while still armed. The officers were able to subdue him using less lethal means, including bean bag bullets and a Taser.

The incident culminated in the man's arrest at 2:20 p.m., and he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The successful resolution of the standoff prevented injury to the officers or the person involved.

KEARNY, New Jersey — The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office announced charges against Sonia Salazar, a 63-year-old Newark woman, in connection with a hit-and-run that resulted in serious injury to a pedestrian in Kearny. The incident occurred on the morning of May 30, 2024.

Salazar faces several charges, including knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision resulting in serious bodily injury, endangering an injured victim and causing serious injury while driving on a revoked/suspended license . These charges follow an investigation by the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Kearny Avenue and Columbia Avenue. Kearny Police Department officers responded to the scene shortly after 7 a.m. and found a 76-year-old man seriously injured. The victim was quickly transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.

Salazar was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office in Secaucus on June 6, 2024 and was released pending her first court appearance scheduled for June 20, 2024.

Baltimore, Maryland — A suspect was arrested in connection with an attempted armed robbery at a business in the Central District.

On May 31, around 11 a.m., officers patrolling the 1000 block of Light Street were notified of an attempted robbery. An unidentified man entered a business, brandished a knife and demanded money from an employee. Unable to obtain money, the suspect fled in a vehicle.

Detectives took over the investigation and identified the suspect and the vehicle used in the getaway.

On Monday, around 7:15 p.m., Foxtrot members located the vehicle traveling in the 1800 block of Washington Boulevard. Police conducted a traffic stop and apprehended the 49-year-old suspect. He was transported to the central booking center and charged with, among other things, armed robbery.

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County Police responded to a bomb threat at Walt Whitman High School on the morning of June 7, 2024, at approximately 10:45 a.m. The school, located in the 7100 block of Whittier Boulevard, was quickly evacuated following the threat.

After an investigation by the Montgomery County Police Administrative and Behavioral Assessment Unit, the threat was determined to be unfounded and it was confirmed that there was no ongoing danger to the school community.

A 15-year-old Montgomery County Public Schools student has been identified as the suspect behind the threat. The student was accused of threatening mass violence and disrupting school operations. Due to the individual's minor status, his identity has not been released.

The matter is currently being processed by the Department of Juvenile Services to determine appropriate next steps.

GREEN BELT, MD — The Greenbelt Police Department is actively investigating an armed robbery that occurred on June 6, 2024 at approximately 8:50 a.m. The incident occurred in front of the Exxon gas station located at 7619 Greenbelt Road.

According to police reports, the suspects fled the scene in a red 2008 Lexus GS350. The Greenbelt Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit is seeking the public's help in identifying the suspects and locating the vehicle involved.

Anyone with information about the theft, the suspects or the vehicle is asked to contact Detective Wynkoop at (240) 542-2135 or by email at [email protected]. Additionally, information can be provided to the Greenbelt Police Department at (301) 474-7200. The ministry is seeking any leads that could help resolve this matter.