Mostly Cloudy 50°
Tag:

Safety

News
MD Ranked Among Top States For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why MD Ranked Among Top States For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why
MD Ranked Among Top States For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why Women in several Northeast states have some of the best opportunities in the country, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Women on Monday, Mar. 3. The study's release also ties into International Women's Day, which is on Saturday, Mar. 8. All 50 states and Washington, DC, were rated across 25 key metrics. The statistics measured economic opportunities, healthcare quality, and safety for women. The findings highlight stark disparities nationwide, with some states offering significantly better conditions for women than othe…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Serial Metrobus Groper Learns Prison Fate In Montgomery County Serial Metrobus Groper Learns Prison Fate In Montgomery County
Serial Metrobus Groper Learns Prison Fate In Montgomery County A serial sex offender who repeatedly preyed on women riding public transit in Maryland and DC is now behind bars for good after a determined victim caught him in the act, officials said. Kokouvi Apetoh, 45, of Silver Spring, was sentenced to 26 years and 231 days in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree assault and admitting to violating his probation in a previous metrobus groping case, according to Montgomery County prosecutors. Authorities say Apetoh, a registered sex offender, was a repeat predator who systematically targeted unsuspecting women on their daily commu…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
$700K Lost In Massive Garage Fire At Maryland Home, Officials Say $700K Lost In Massive Garage Fire At Maryland Home, Officials Say
$700K Lost In Massive Garage Fire At Maryland Home, Officials Say A devastating fire tore through a large attached garage in Maryland, destroying $700,000 worth of property, officials said. The blaze erupted shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, at a single-family home on Sennett Road, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. Fire investigators said the fire started on a workbench inside the 40' x 80' garage, where several electronic appliances and lithium-ion batteries were stored. By the time more than two dozen firefighters from the Denton Volunteer Fire Company brought the fire under control 40 minutes later, the garage had been complete…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Murder Suspect Who Left Victim For Dead In Maryland Roadway Captured: Police Murder Suspect Who Left Victim For Dead In Maryland Roadway Captured: Police
Murder Suspect Who Left Victim For Dead In Maryland Roadway Captured: Police A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Travis Davis, whose body was found lying in a Harford County roadway last month, authorities announced. Trevor Taylor, 34, was taken into custody following an investigation into the Jan. 23 homicide on Washington Street, according to the Aberdeen Police Department. Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, officers were called to the corner of Washington and Dorsey streets for a welfare check after a report of a person lying in the road.  When they arrived, they found Davis suffering from gunshot woun…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
$2 Million Fire Destroys Maryland Farm Buildings, Equipment $2 Million Fire Destroys Maryland Farm Buildings, Equipment
$2 Million Fire Destroys Maryland Farm Buildings, Equipment A devastating fire tore through a Maryland farm Wednesday afternoon, reducing buildings, equipment, and vehicles to rubble in a blaze that caused an estimated $2 million in damages, officials said. The two-alarm fire broke out shortly after 12:25 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Calloway Family Farm, located on the 8300 block of Athol Road in Mardela Springs, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The farm owner discovered the fire and alerted authorities, and by the time firefighters arrived, flames had already consumed much of the property.  More than 50 firefighters from the Mard…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing 'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing
'Mob Wives' Star Natalie DiDonato Found Safe In Nevada After Reported Missing Natalie DiDonato, a cast member from Season 5 of "Mob Wives", has been found safe in Nevada, ending a brief missing-persons search, NBC News reported. DiDonato, 44, contacted her mother, Denise Fuoco, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and assured her she was safe and not being held against her will. "My daughter's been found," Fuoco told NBC News. "She's fine right now. We're trying to get her home." The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that its search for DiDonato was officially over. In a statement released on Thursday, Jan. 23, the LVMPD said, "This case has been closed. We …

SHARE

by Jillian Pikora
Police & Fire
Home Invader Tries Sexually Assaulting Resident At Maryland Apartment, Police Say Home Invader Tries Sexually Assaulting Resident At Maryland Apartment, Police Say
Home Invader Tries Sexually Assaulting Resident At Maryland Apartment, Police Say A scary early morning home invasion in Anne Arundel County has sparked an intense investigation as police search for a suspect accused of assaulting a woman and attempting to commit a sex offense. On Thursday, Jan. 23, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Western District officers responded to a reported home invasion at an apartment complex in the 1600 block of Park Ridge Circle. 1600 block of Park Ridge Circle in Crofton. Google Maps street view Officers spoke with the victim, an adult woman, who stated that an unknown man entered her residence and assaulted her.  Authorities believe…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say
Here Are World’s Most Relaxing Places For 2025, New Rankings Say Looking for a peaceful escape in 2025?  New rankings reveal the top 25 most relaxing destinations on the planet. These serene spots are perfect for those hoping to avoid overcrowded tourist traps. BookRetreats.com's Global Relaxation Index analyzed 76 destinations based on crowd density, safety, noise levels, and access to nature and wellness experiences. The results highlight a shift away from traditional hotspots toward quieter, more spacious locales. Key Highlights: Australia ranks first, boasting just 8.8 people per square mile and nearly 30 percent of its land protected as natu…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Maryland Investigators Release Report On Deadly Virginia Home Explosion That Killed Firefighter Maryland Investigators Release Report On Deadly Virginia Home Explosion That Killed Firefighter
Maryland Investigators Release Report On Deadly Virginia Home Explosion That Killed Firefighter The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) has released its comprehensive report on the February 2024 house explosion in Sterling that tragically claimed the life of Firefighter Trevor Brown and injured 13 others. The blast occurred on Feb. 16, 2024, after first responders were called to a gas leak at 347 Silver Ridge Drive.  Investigators discovered a leaking underground propane tank behind the home and quickly evacuated the residents, but before the Hazardous Materials Team could secure the scene, the home exploded, trapping firefighters in the fiery wreckage. …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Business
No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers
No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers Starbucks is ending its open-door policy, prioritizing access for paying customers and employees. The coffeehouse chain will no longer allow just anyone to hang out in its cafes or use its bathrooms. Starbucks has created a new Coffeehouse Code of Conduct, requiring people to buy something to use the cafe, patio, or restrooms. Starbucks said it hopes the change will improve the overall coffeehouse experience. "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," company spokesperson Sam Jefferies said in a statement to Daily Voice. "Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct i…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
Child Critically Injured, Woman Hurt In Maryland Townhouse Blaze Sparked By Fire Pit Child Critically Injured, Woman Hurt In Maryland Townhouse Blaze Sparked By Fire Pit
Child Critically Injured, Woman Hurt In Maryland Townhouse Blaze Sparked By Fire Pit A 9-year-old child and a woman were injured in a fire caused by an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit designed for making S'mores, Anne Arundel County officials said. Shortly before 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, firefighters from Anne Arundel County, Fort Meade, and Howard County responded to a townhouse in the 8500 block of Crooked Tree Lane in Laurel for reports of a fire in the living room. Crews quickly contained and extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the living room, authorities said. Paramedics treated the child and an adult woman at the scene. The 9-year…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Shots Fired Near Maryland School Bus Spark Urgent Investigation: Sheriff (DEVELOPING) Shots Fired Near Maryland School Bus Spark Urgent Investigation: Sheriff (DEVELOPING)
Shots Fired Near Maryland School Bus Spark Urgent Investigation: Sheriff (Developing) A shooting near a Wicomico County school bus has sparked an intense investigation, with authorities working to piece together what unfolded on Rockawalkin Ridge Road on Tuesday afternoon. Deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the 28000 block of Rockawalkin Ridge Road at around 3:15 p.m. on Dec. 3 after reports of individuals shooting at one another, officials said. The incident took place while a school bus was in the area, prompting concern among parents and residents.  Authorities emphasized that no students were involved in the shooting and there was no immed…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
One Dead After Early Morning House Fire In Maryland One Dead After Early Morning House Fire In Maryland
One Dead After Early Morning House Fire In Maryland An early morning fire claimed the life of a man on Sunday and left a duplex heavily damaged, Prince George’s County Fire/EMS officials said. Crews were called to the 3400 block of Webster St. at 12:39 a.m., where they found a two-story duplex with fire on the first floor.  Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze but discovered one person dead inside the home, officials confirmed. RX @PGFDNews House Fire 12:39a, 3400 blk Webster St., Brentwood. PGFD units on scene of 2-story duplex w/fire on 1st floor. Fire is out. 1 adult male confirmed deceased. Excessive storage conditions through…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Knife-Wielding Man Arrested After Disturbance At Sheriff’s Residence In Maryland: Authorities Knife-Wielding Man Arrested After Disturbance At Sheriff’s Residence In Maryland: Authorities
Knife-Wielding Man Arrested After Disturbance At Sheriff’s Residence In Maryland: Authorities A Chesapeake Beach man is facing multiple charges after allegedly trespassing and threatening Calvert County Sheriff Ricky Cox and his family at their home earlier this month, according to officials. On Nov. 7, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., deputies responded to the Sheriff’s home following reports of a trespassing incident involving 42-year-old Calvin Wayne Blackwell, Jr. who is familiar to law enforcement, causing a disturbance. Deputies say Blackwell was banging on the front door, yelling, and alarming Cox and his family.  When officers arrived, Blackwell was seated in a vehicl…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Sheriff IDs 67-Year-Old Man Killed In Maryland Mobile Home Fire Sheriff IDs 67-Year-Old Man Killed In Maryland Mobile Home Fire
Sheriff IDs 67-Year-Old Man Killed In Maryland Mobile Home Fire The cause of a fatal fire that claimed the life of 67-year-old Robert Raymond Cole in Frederick County over the weekend has been classified as "undetermined," investigators say. First responders were called around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 to the 11000 block of Highland School Road, where there was a reported fire in Myersville. Upon arrival, Frederick County Fire and Rescue Service crews found a mobile home with "extensive fire showing" and were informed that it may be occupied, prompting an emergency search. Paramedics found Cole unconscious inside, and he was pronounced dead at the …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Business
Honda Recalling Nearly 1.7M Vehicles For Steering Problems, Crash Concerns Honda Recalling Nearly 1.7M Vehicles For Steering Problems, Crash Concerns
Honda Recalling Nearly 1.7M Vehicles For Steering Problems, Crash Concerns Honda is recalling nearly two million vehicles due to steering issues that could potentially lead to crashes.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 1,693,199 vehicles are subject to a nationwide recall due to a manufacturing issue that could make it more difficult to steer the vehicles. "Due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear," the recall alert states. "In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, inc…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
These DMV Cities Are Among Safest In US: New Ranking These DMV Cities Are Among Safest In US: New Ranking
These DMV Cities Are Among Safest In US: New Ranking Some neighborhoods in the DMV region rank among the safest in the United States, according to a newly released report from WalletHub.  Two from Virginia were in the top 10 in the new ranking, with the state boasting five overall, joining two from Maryland and the District of Columbia as the safest cities in America in 2024.  In making their rankings, WalletHub evaluated a variety of "threats to safety," including the possibility of natural disasters, mass shootings, traffic accidents, and other dangers.  “When people think about safety in a city, their minds probably immedia…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Traffic
Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At Maryland Intersection Identified By Police Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At Maryland Intersection Identified By Police
Motorcyclist Killed In Crash At Maryland Intersection Identified By Police An early morning crash over the weekend left a motorcyclist dead in Prince George's County after striking a sedan near a Forestville intersection, police say. Waldorf resident Samuel Hinton was identified by police on Monday as the rider who was struck and killed on Saturday morning while crossing through an intersection. According to the Prince George's County Police Department, shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 5, officers responded to the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Donnell Drive, where there was a reported crash involving Hinton. Southbound Pennsylvania Ave is closed from Wa…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Woman, Dog Escape Safely After Crashing Into Prince George's County Pond Woman, Dog Escape Safely After Crashing Into Prince George's County Pond
Woman, Dog Escape Safely After Crashing Into Prince George's County Pond A woman was able to safely escape and rescue her dog after crashing into a Prince George's County pond on Wednesday morning. Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, members of the Prince George's County Fire and Rescue Department were called to the 3400 block of Enterprise Road in Bowie to investigate a reported crash that resulted in one vehicle submerged in the water. Photos at the scene show the remnants of a damaged fence and vehicle parts strewn around the pond in the area of the crash. No injuries were reported. The cause of the crash remains under investigation later on Wednesday mornin…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Investigators Determine Origin Of Devastating Fire That Destroyed Maryland Church Investigators Determine Origin Of Devastating Fire That Destroyed Maryland Church
Investigators Determine Origin Of Devastating Fire That Destroyed Maryland Church The blaze that burned down a Maryland church on Thursday afternoon and caused $1.5 million in damage started in the steeple before rapidly spreading, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal. Firefighters from multiple agencies were called shortly after 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 to the Clearfield Bible Church in Westminster, where there was a reported fire that was discovered by an employee inside the building who was working in a basement office and was able to escape safely. Upon arrival, first responders were met by flames and smoke showing from the brick building, which was fully engulfed, leading…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Home Explosion, Fire Reported In Maryland Neighborhood (DEVELOPING) Home Explosion, Fire Reported In Maryland Neighborhood (DEVELOPING)
Home Explosion, Fire Reported In Maryland Neighborhood (Developing) A house explosion rocked a Montgomery County neighborhood on Thursday afternoon in Kensington. First responders were called to the 4000 block of Byrd Road at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Aug. 1 where there was a reported explosion with flames and smoke visible from outside the residence. .@mcfrs is dispatched to 4000blk of Byrd Rd(Kensington) for a house explosion with reported flames and smoke visible. All occupants are reported out of the home. @DavidPazos15 @mcfrsPIO — Pazos@mcfrsPIO (@DavidPazos15) August 1, 2024 A Montgomery County Fire and EMS spokesperson said that crews found a g…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Fugitive From DC Wanted For Attempted Stabbing Of Woman In Maryland May Be Armed, Sheriff Warns Fugitive From DC Wanted For Attempted Stabbing Of Woman In Maryland May Be Armed, Sheriff Warns
Fugitive From DC Wanted For Attempted Stabbing Of Woman In Maryland May Be Armed, Sheriff Warns Recognize him?  An alert has been issued by the Charles County Sheriff's Office as they attempt to locate a wanted man from DC who allegedly assaulted a woman.  Officers were called at around 12:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 to the 2300 block of Alava Court in Waldorf, where there was an assault investigation involving 50-year-old Gary Courtney Stewart, who was able to flee the area before they arrived. According to investigators, Stewart punched the woman in the face and attempted to stab her during the altercation, though she was able to escape and call 911, leading to an arrest w…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Suspicious Man Who Approached Teen Girl, Woman In Separate Incidents Wanted In Maryland Suspicious Man Who Approached Teen Girl, Woman In Separate Incidents Wanted In Maryland
Suspicious Man Who Approached Teen Girl, Woman In Separate Incidents Wanted In Maryland An alert was issued by the Charles County Sheriff's Office over the weekend as they attempt to track down a creepy man implicated in a pair of suspicious incidents last week. Early on Wednesday, July 10, officers were called to Dorchester Circle in St. Charles, when a teen girl reported that a man drove up to her and asked for her number before she walked away and notified her parents. The following day, at around the same time and place, a man matching the description provided by the girl approached a woman and made a sexual comment towards her. He then fled when the woman took her cell p…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Tree Worker Killed When Extended Bucket Truck Overturns In Maryland, Officials Say Tree Worker Killed When Extended Bucket Truck Overturns In Maryland, Officials Say
Tree Worker Killed When Extended Bucket Truck Overturns In Maryland, Officials Say A tree service worker was killed when a fully-extended bucket truck he was working in overturned Wednesday, June 5 in Montgomery County, responders said. The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. on the 8900 block of Sudbury Road in Silver Spring, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Department said. The 60-year-old worker was pronounced dead at the scene, according to county police. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) was notified, MCFRD said. No further details were released.

SHARE

by Cecilia Levine