Traffic stop reveals weapons, drugs in Glen Burnie

GLEN BURNIE, MD— A routine traffic stop escalated into significant legal charges early June 9, 2024, when Glen Burnie police officers stopped a gray 2015 Mazda on Crain Highway at Hidden Brook Drive. The stop, which took place around 1:45 a.m., led to the discovery of a loaded .32 caliber handgun and approximately 1.91 grams of suspected crack cocaine inside the vehicle.

Both occupants of the Mazda, including the driver, Warren Marcellous Gross, 50, of Temple Hills, Maryland, were the subject of active arrest warrants. The presence of the gun and drugs resulted in additional charges beyond the arrest warrants.

Gross and the passenger were taken into custody and faced charges related to weapons and controlled dangerous substances (CDS) violations. This incident highlights the importance of traffic stops as a tool for law enforcement to enforce road safety and intercept criminal activity.

The recovery of the handgun and drugs highlights ongoing problems with drug and gun possession in the community, highlighting proactive steps taken by local police to address these issues.

GLEN BURNIE, MD— An armed robbery at a 7-Eleven on Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie led to a rapid police response and subsequent arrest early on June 9, 2024. At approximately 4:30 a.m., a suspect entered the convenience store, brandishing a handgun and demanding money from the clerk, who complied.

The suspect, identified as Chive Omar Benjamin, 21, of Baltimore, Maryland, then fled the scene on foot. Officers quickly searched the area and located Benjamin near Polk Circle. This encounter led to further investigation, including the execution of a search warrant on a white Toyota Camry allegedly used by Benjamin.

A search of the vehicle revealed significant evidence including a loaded handgun, $702 in U.S. currency, approximately 165 grams of suspected cannabis, and approximately 145 grams of suspected crack cocaine. The recovery of these items played a crucial role in substantiating the charges against Benjamin.

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers of commercial flights and highlights the effectiveness of rapid law enforcement response and follow-up investigations. Benjamin is currently facing charges related to armed robbery, drug possession and firearms offenses.

Baltimore, Maryland — Authorities are investigating a shooting in the Southern District that left a man hospitalized.

On June 10, at approximately 6:23 a.m., Southern District patrol officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 4300 block of West Bay Street. They found a 43-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting occurred in the 1300 block of Filbert Street following an argument.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

TOMS RIVER, New Jersey— Friday afternoon, Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2 were dispatched to a fire at a commercial property on Highland Parkway. At approximately 4:45 p.m., units arrived to find a fire in a small homeless encampment located in the woods behind the property. The fire, which involved various personal belongings including a camping tent, was quickly extinguished without further incident.

No one was injured during the incident.

The scene prompted investigations by the Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Prosecutors' Office and the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention after discovering items including ashtrays, cigarettes and lighters which could potentially indicate the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross was also called to the scene to assist those affected by the fire. Despite the findings, the cause of the fire remains undetermined due to multiple contributing factors.

The East Dover Fire Company responded to a furnace fire in the Georgetown section of Toms River, while the chief of Fire Company 2700 responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in Ocean Beach.

Additionally, the Pleasant Plains Fire Department and Silverton Volunteer Fire Company were called to reports of a structure fire at a multi-family dwelling on the north end of town. This fire, which started in combustible mulch adjacent to the building, caused minor damage to the structure.

These incidents highlight a busy day for Toms River Emergency Services, demonstrating their preparedness and rapid response to various emergencies throughout the community.

BOSTON, MA— A 12-year-old juvenile was arrested Sunday evening by Boston police for assault involving a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred around 6:36 p.m. in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood, specifically near the intersection of Washington Street and Chilcott Street.

Officers from District E-13 responded to a radio call reporting a person with a knife. When they arrived, they received a description of a group of five juveniles who had allegedly threatened someone with a knife. Police quickly located and arrested a group matching the description at the corner of Montebello and Haverford streets.

During the check, the police searched the suspects and found a knife on one of the minors. The 12-year-old was then taken into custody and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court.

WOODBRIDGE, Virginia – On Thursday, Jakeline Sanchez and Richard Osmin Ascencio, both involved in a child abuse case, surrendered to authorities. The charges stem from an incident reported on January 22, 2023 at their residence in the 4300 block of Granby Road. in Woodbridge.

Richard Osmin Ascencio, 31, and Jakeline Sanchez, 28, each face charges of child abuse. Both individuals are currently being held without bail and court dates are pending.

The investigation gained momentum on June 4, when detectives completed their review of the death of a 19-month-old boy, who had been found unresponsive at the same address earlier that year and was subsequently pronounced dead at a local hospital. An autopsy revealed signs of abuse, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants after consultations with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office.

The ongoing case has not yet resulted in a determination of the child's cause of death by the medical examiner's office. Other details surrounding the investigation remain secret as the legal process unfolds.

The Prince William County Police Department continues to handle the case and further information is available upon request at its public information office in Woodbridge.