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Washington County, MD

Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats
Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has implemented a statewide ban on open-air burning amid the "extremely dry conditions" that have plagued the region recently. According to officials, "extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future." It was enacted on Friday, Nov. 1.  The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide, they added. …
Officers, Victim Identified In Police-Involved In-Custody Maryland Death Officers, Victim Identified In Police-Involved In-Custody Maryland Death
Officers, Victim Identified In Police-Involved In-Custody Maryland Death The Maryland Attorney General's Office has identified the officers and suspect involved in an in-custody death in Washington County. New details have been released by investigators following a probe into the death of Hagerstown resident Kelvin Lashawn, 46, after he was taken into custody over the weekend. According to investigators, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Oct. 26, members of the Hagerstown Police Department executed a search warrant at a home in the 100 block of East Washington Street, where they found Lashawn outside who was handcuffed and placed into a cruiser. While in the backs…
These Are Maryland's Top Public Middle Schools: New Rankings Released These Are Maryland's Top Public Middle Schools: New Rankings Released
These Are Maryland's Top Public Middle Schools: New Rankings Released Several middle schools in Montgomery and Howard counties are among the best in Maryland, according to a new Niche report. Cabin John Middle School in Potomac topped the list, followed by three in Howard County: Clarksville, Mount View, and Folly Quarter middle schools. To determine the "best public schools in America," Niche's ranking was "based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from US Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users."  The results are similar to the top public high schools in the st…
Maryland Attorney General's Office Probing Police-Involved In-Custody Death Maryland Attorney General's Office Probing Police-Involved In-Custody Death
Maryland Attorney General's Office Probing Police-Involved In-Custody Death The Maryland Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation after a suspect died while in police custody in Washington County overnight.  The AG's Independent Investigation Division (IID) is probing a police-involved in-custody death that was reported on Saturday in Hagerstown amid an ongoing investigation, officials say. According to investigators, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Oct. 26, members of the Hagerstown Police Department executed a search warrant at a home in the 100 block of East Washington Street, where they found a man outside who was handcuffed and placed into a…
Knife-Wielding Man Courting Death Apprehended Safely In Maryland, Police Say Knife-Wielding Man Courting Death Apprehended Safely In Maryland, Police Say
Knife-Wielding Man Courting Death Apprehended Safely In Maryland, Police Say Officers from the Hagerstown Police Department did not grant the wish of a knife-wielding man who wanted to be killed after stabbing his victim multiple times, according to investigators. Kevin Leonard Quander is facing a host of charges following the investigation into an incident in Washington County, during which he attacked his victim before being subdued by a Taser-like device. Officers were responded late in the afternoon on Saturday, Oct. 12 to investigate a reported stabbing in the 100 block of West Franklin Street, and upon arrival, they found Quander chasing another man while hold…
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 …
PA Robber, Child Rapist Nabbed By US Marshals In MD Found Dead In Cell PA Robber, Child Rapist Nabbed By US Marshals In MD Found Dead In Cell
PA Robber, Child Rapist Nabbed By US Marshals In MD Found Dead In Cell A robber — who was caught by US Marshals in Northern Maryland in July 2023 — has died in prison while serving time for raping a child, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections announced on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.  Anthony James Raimo, 35 at the time of his arrest, of the 700 block of Harrisburg Pike, Dillsburg, was arrested on July 7, 2023, by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Washington County, MD Sheriff's Office, as Daily Voice previously reported. Raimo, now 37, was found unresponsive in his cell at State Correctional Institution in Houtzdale, PA, on October 8, 2024, accord…
One Killed In Maryland Mobile Home Fire Under Investigation: County Officials (DEVELOPING) One Killed In Maryland Mobile Home Fire Under Investigation: County Officials (DEVELOPING)
One Killed In Maryland Mobile Home Fire Under Investigation: County Officials (Developing) One person was killed overnight in a fire that broke out inside a Frederick County home, officials confirmed. 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. An unconscious person was found inside, officials said, and treated by paramedics at the scene, though they were pronounced dead. No details abo…
Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Causing Fatal Chain-Reaction Crash On I-70: MD State Police Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Causing Fatal Chain-Reaction Crash On I-70: MD State Police
Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged For Causing Fatal Chain-Reaction Crash On I-70: MD State Police A truck driver from Georgia who got behind the wheel of his tractor-trailer while intoxicated is facing charges in Maryland for causing a fatal five-vehicle crash in Washington County. Ray Pittman, 62, was arrested on Thursday night after setting off a chain-reaction crash that resulted in the death of 27-year-old Hagerstown resident Morgan Suter. ** I-70 WB CLOSED at DUAL HWY / US40 / Exit 32 ** IAO I70 WB & BEAVER CREEK RD PERS INJURY COLLISION CO10 E03 RS10... Posted by Washington County MD Fire Calls on Thursday, October 3, 2024 Investigators say that shortly after 5 p.m.…
These Are Maryland's Top Public High Schools: New Rankings Released These Are Maryland's Top Public High Schools: New Rankings Released
These Are Maryland's Top Public High Schools: New Rankings Released A pair of Montgomery County public high schools were ranked the best in Maryland, followed by some in Howard County, according to a new Niche report. Poolesville High School took the top spot in Maryland - and 32nd overall in the nation - followed by Walt Whitman High School, River Hill High School, Winston Church Hill High School, and Marriotts Ridge High School. To determine the "best public schools in America," Niche's ranking was "based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from US Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected …
Two Children, Adult Airlifted In Washington County Crash On I-70: Maryland State Police Two Children, Adult Airlifted In Washington County Crash On I-70: Maryland State Police
Two Children, Adult Airlifted In Washington County Crash On I-70: Maryland State Police A 19-year-old driver was hospitalized, and two children and an adult passenger were airlifted from a crash scene on I-70 in Washington County, state police say. Baltimore resident Yelson Aguilar was among four hospitalized following a rollover crash in Big Pool early on Tuesday morning. According to state police, shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 10, troopers were called to a stretch of the interstate, where there was a reported single-vehicle crash with four injuries.  Investigators say that Aguilar was taken by paramedics to Meritus Medical Center, while two 6 year olds were flown t…
Adult Caretaker Convicted Of 'Karate Chopping,' Abusing Autistic Man: Maryland AG Adult Caretaker Convicted Of 'Karate Chopping,' Abusing Autistic Man: Maryland AG
Adult Caretaker Convicted Of 'Karate Chopping,' Abusing Autistic Man: Maryland AG An adult caretaker responsible for assisting a vulnerable patient in Washington County has been convicted of assaulting an autistic man, the Maryland Attorney General's Office announced. Hagerstown resident Kehinde Oluwatobi Ososanya, 38, is facing more than a decade in prison after he was found guilty by a Washington County Circuit judge for his handling of a 30-year-old intellectually disabled patient he was responsible for. According to the AG, Ososanya, who worked at the Arc of Washington County residential program as a direct support professional, took the man to an urgent ca…
Peeping Tom Caught By Minor At Maryland Target Location Busted With Child Porn: Sheriff Peeping Tom Caught By Minor At Maryland Target Location Busted With Child Porn: Sheriff
Peeping Tom Caught By Minor At Maryland Target Location Busted With Child Porn: Sheriff A Peeping Tom who was caught holding a phone under the door at a changing room in Washington County was also busted with child pornography, according to the sheriff's office. In June, the sheriff's office was advised about a suspicious suspect who targeted an underage girl who was trying on clothing at Target on Cole Road in Hagerstown. According to investigators, the minor spotted a black cellphone being held under the door by an unknown man who was later identified as 48-year-old Hancock resident Terry Lee Smith. During the investigation, a search and seizure warrant was served at S…
Man Threatened To Burn Down Maryland Home During Dispute With Landlords: Fire Marshal Man Threatened To Burn Down Maryland Home During Dispute With Landlords: Fire Marshal
Man Threatened To Burn Down Maryland Home During Dispute With Landlords: Fire Marshal A dispute between a landlord and tenant turned fiery and landed one man behind bars in Washington County after he threatened to burn down the home he was renting, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal. Randy Sigler, 65, who was renting a home in Hagerstown, is facing up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for threatening arson during a dispute with his landlord and her husband. Officials say that shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to a home in the 13600 block of Grandview Drive to investigate a reported dispute between …
Man Serving Time Faces New Charges For Auto Shop Arson, Stolen Truck In Maryland: Sheriff Man Serving Time Faces New Charges For Auto Shop Arson, Stolen Truck In Maryland: Sheriff
Man Serving Time Faces New Charges For Auto Shop Arson, Stolen Truck In Maryland: Sheriff The man who set a Maryland auto shop on fire and stole a pick-up truck that was later found parked in the Potomac River has been apprehended in Frederick County, authorities announced. In late May, first responders were called to Hi Lo Auto Sales in the 5000 block of Urbana Pike, where there was a reported fire and theft at the business. The incident was reported shortly before 3 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29. According to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, upon arrival, fire crews were met by smoke coming from the building, and it was later determined that it was a case of arson by the fi…
Bomb Threats Called In To Retirement Home Lands Man Behind Bars: Maryland Fire Marshal Bomb Threats Called In To Retirement Home Lands Man Behind Bars: Maryland Fire Marshal
Bomb Threats Called In To Retirement Home Lands Man Behind Bars: Maryland Fire Marshal The man who made several bomb threats targeting a retirement home on different occasions has been arrested, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal. Hagerstown resident John Calvin Walls, 60, is facing charges following an investigation into voicemails that were left at the Williamsport Retirement Village in Washington County. According to investigators, Walls allegedly "threatened to blow up the tranquil home offering assisted living, rehabilitation, long-term care, and respite care."  On Monday, investigators from the fire marshal's office responded to the retirement home when an emp…
Woman Charged For Running Sex, Human Trafficking Ring Across Maryland: AG Woman Charged For Running Sex, Human Trafficking Ring Across Maryland: AG
Woman Charged For Running Sex, Human Trafficking Ring Across Maryland: AG A Baltimore woman has been indicted by a Washington County grand jury in a 135-count indictment stemming from a years-long investigation by the Maryland Attorney General's Office into a human and sex trafficking ring, authorities announced. Kenika Danielle Leach, 33, has been charged following a two-year multi-agency investigation, which helped the AG's Organized Crime Unit to identify nearly a dozen women from Hagerstown who were allegedly trafficked by her and her organization at hotels and motels throughout Maryland. According to the AG, in December 2021, the Baltimore Police Department …
Dozens Of 'Zombie Deer' Test Positive For Disease In Maryland: Department Of Natural Resources Dozens Of 'Zombie Deer' Test Positive For Disease In Maryland: Department Of Natural Resources
Dozens Of 'Zombie Deer' Test Positive For Disease In Maryland: Department Of Natural Resources Dozens of white-tailed deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, a neurological disorder found in several species that results in death. According to a recent report from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 52 animals tested positive for the disease in 2023, including two in new parts of the state.  The deer were sampled in Allegany, Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery and Washington counties. Of the positive samples, 49 came from within the existing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties), while one positive …
Motorcyclist Killed In Maryland Crash Remembered As 'Good Friend With Heart Of Gold' Motorcyclist Killed In Maryland Crash Remembered As 'Good Friend With Heart Of Gold'
Motorcyclist Killed In Maryland Crash Remembered As 'Good Friend With Heart Of Gold' A motorcyclist who was killed in a midday crash in Washington County this week is being remembered as a curious mind who was not afraid to try new things. On Monday afternoon, officers were called at around 12:20 p.m. to investigate a reported crash involving 35-year-old Hagerstown resident Francis Walter, who was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of West Wilson Boulevard and US Route 11. Police say that Walter was heading east through the intersection when he was struck by a car making a left turn from Wilson Boulevard toward the southbound lanes of Virginia Avenue. Google Maps st…
Fugitive Wanted For Fatal 2020 Shooting Back In Maryland After California Arrest, Police Say Fugitive Wanted For Fatal 2020 Shooting Back In Maryland After California Arrest, Police Say
Fugitive Wanted For Fatal 2020 Shooting Back In Maryland After California Arrest, Police Say Raymond Garfield Campbell made it across the country but is back in Maryland to face charges for the 2020 murder of a Pennsylvania man in Washington County, police say. Campbell, 36, was arrested in California and returned back to the East Coast to face charges for his alleged role in the fatal October 2020 shooting of Waynesboro resident Daynard Devere Johnson, according to the Hagerstown Police Department.  On Oct. 14, 2020, police say that officers found Johnson, 40, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and stomach in the 300 block of Henry Avenue.  Late …
Man Charged With Torching Building That Partially Collapsed: Maryland Fire Marshal Man Charged With Torching Building That Partially Collapsed: Maryland Fire Marshal
Man Charged With Torching Building That Partially Collapsed: Maryland Fire Marshal A 60-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly setting a massive fire that led to a building collapse in Washington County over the weekend. Kevin Lee Spielman was arrested on Tuesday, March 26 following an extensive investigation into the fire inside the former Snooks Poultry on Sunday night. First responders from multiple agencies rushed at approximately 6:30 p.m. on March 24 to the building on West Baltimore Street, where firefighters were met with smoke and flames coming from the building. At 6:33PM on Sunday, March 24, 2024, units from the Hagerstown Fire Department…
Teen Accused Of Murder In Maryland Home Charged As Adult, Sheriff Says Teen Accused Of Murder In Maryland Home Charged As Adult, Sheriff Says
Teen Accused Of Murder In Maryland Home Charged As Adult, Sheriff Says A 16-year-old will be charged as an adult following a fatal midday shooting inside a Washington County home, authorities announced. Kamari Kenyon Meniefield, 16, is being held behind bars for his alleged role in the murder of 23-year-old Devin Anthony Meniefield earlier this week in Hagerstown.  Shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18, deputies were called to the 17400 block of Maple Leaf Court, where they found Devin Meniefield suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside an area residence.  He died from his injuries. Investigators did not disclose the nature of …
Murder Suspects Implicated In Armed Assault In Maryland: Police Murder Suspects Implicated In Armed Assault In Maryland: Police
Murder Suspects Implicated In Armed Assault In Maryland: Police Three people have been arrested after a man was found shot to death in Washington County late last month, authorities announced. Jenaro Torres, 26, Emens Rho, 39, and Stephanie Paulino, 35, are all facing charges following an investigation into the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Kevin Michael Shepherd early on Friday, Jan. 26 in Hagerstown. According to the Hagerstown Police Department, at approximately 9:50 a.m. on the day of the shooting, officers responded to the 1200 block of Marshall Street to investigate reports of shots in the area. Upon arrival, police say that they found Shepherd i…
Maryland School Closings: These Districts Have Announced Plans For Friday's Storm Maryland School Closings: These Districts Have Announced Plans For Friday's Storm
Maryland School Closings: These Districts Have Announced Plans For Friday's Storm With several inches of snow expected to coat the area, some schools in Maryland are already making preparations to ensure the safety of students and staff. The worst of the snow is expected to hit the area beginning at around 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, and lasting throughout the day, prompting schools to begin announcing closures and delays on Thursday night. As of 8 p.m. on Thursday, these public schools have announced their plans - which are subject to change depending on the weather conditions:  Anne Arundel County Schools: Previously planned off-day, decision on athletics and ex…
'Armed, Dangerous' Fugitive Busted By FBI For Fatal Double Shooting In Maryland 'Armed, Dangerous' Fugitive Busted By FBI For Fatal Double Shooting In Maryland
'Armed, Dangerous' Fugitive Busted By FBI For Fatal Double Shooting In Maryland After more than a month on the run, a man wanted for a fatal double shooting in Washington County has been apprehended by FBI agents in North Carolina, authorities announced. On Monday, the Hagerstown Police Department announced that Brian Christopher Francis, 41, was apprehended in Morrisville, NC without incident and brought back to Maryland, where he was wanted in connection to an apartment shooting over the summer. Also known as "Fox," or "Silk," Francis was charged in the District Court for Washington County in Maryland on 13 charges in August that include murder and attempted murder, …
WV Man Arrested For Killing Mercersburg Roommate, Ditching Body In Hagerstown: US Marshals WV Man Arrested For Killing Mercersburg Roommate, Ditching Body In Hagerstown: US Marshals
WV Man Arrested For Killing Mercersburg Roommate, Ditching Body In Hagerstown: US Marshals A West Virginia man is accused of shooting one of his former roommates dead in Pennsylvania and dumping the body in Maryland before fleeing to North Carolina, authorities announced on Tuesday, Dec. 19.  Shane Adrian Bradley, 32 of Hedgesville, WV, had been staying with several other people in a home in the 14000 block of Ditto Road in Montgomery Township, Mercersburg when a "minor verbal altercation" ended with him shooting one of his roommates, Isiah Clark, Pennsylvania State Police detailed in a release.  The 20-year-old's body was then loaded into a car — wi…
Hiker Rescued By Maryland State Police Helicopter After Plummeting 50 Feet Off Cliff (PHOTOS) Hiker Rescued By Maryland State Police Helicopter After Plummeting 50 Feet Off Cliff (PHOTOS)
Hiker Rescued By Maryland State Police Helicopter After Plummeting 50 Feet Off Cliff (Photos) A hiker who fell off a cliff suffered serious injuries before being rescued by a Maryland State Police helicopter that made a bold save in Washington County over the weekend. Shortly after noon on Saturday, a woman had to be airlifted to an area hospital after falling approximately 50 feet off of a cliff while walking along the Appalachian Trail, officials say.  Maryland State Police helicopter Maryland State Police The helicopter responded to the scene and was able to send one trooper to the ground to secure the hiker while the pilot hovered approximately 120 feet in the air as th…
Loaf Of Bread Leads To Load Of Cash For $100K Maryland Lottery Winner Loaf Of Bread Leads To Load Of Cash For $100K Maryland Lottery Winner
Loaf Of Bread Leads To Load Of Cash For $100K Maryland Lottery Winner A Frederick County grandfather went to the store for a loaf of bread, and he came home with a load of cash after taking his chances playing a Maryland Lottery scratcher. What started as a routine trip to the grocery store for the Frederick County man led to a six-figure windfall when he picked up a top-prize winning "Snow Globes 7s" ticket worth $100,000, Lottery officials announced.  The regular Lottery player was back in the Winner's Circle on Friday to claim what he described as the biggest prize of his life after turning the $10 ticket into a small fortune. According to the winner…
Malnourished, Starving Child Dies; Father Arrested For Neglect In Maryland: Police Malnourished, Starving Child Dies; Father Arrested For Neglect In Maryland: Police
Malnourished, Starving Child Dies; Father Arrested For Neglect In Maryland: Police The father of a 6-year-old boy in Washington County has been arrested after his son died and was found malnourished and suffering from starvation, police say. Andre Derek Ford, 31, has been arrested on multiple child abuse charges after allegedly neglecting his 6-year-old son and a second child who had to be removed from their Hagerstown home. Officers from the Hagerstown Police Department were called on Tuesday afternoon to a home in the 200 block of North Locust Street, where there was a report of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they found the 6-year-old, who was pronounced dead, an…
Suspected Judge Killer's Mercedes Found In Maryland, Sheriff Says (DEVELOPING) Suspected Judge Killer's Mercedes Found In Maryland, Sheriff Says (DEVELOPING)
Suspected Judge Killer's Mercedes Found In Maryland, Sheriff Says (Developing) There may have been a break in the days after a Maryland Circuit Court judge was shot and killed in Washington County by a wanted man who is in the midst of a contentious custody hearing. On Saturday afternoon, the Washington County Sheriff's Office issued an alert that there will be a "significant" police presence in Williamsport after a silver Mercedes being driven by Pedro Argote was located in the area. There is a significant police presence in the Williamsport, MD area. The Washington County Sheriff's Office asks the... Posted by Washington County Sheriff's Office, Maryland on S…
'Armed, Dangerous' Suspect At Large After Targeted Murder Of Maryland Judge: Sheriff (UPDATED) 'Armed, Dangerous' Suspect At Large After Targeted Murder Of Maryland Judge: Sheriff (UPDATED)
'Armed, Dangerous' Suspect At Large After Targeted Murder Of Maryland Judge: Sheriff (Updated) A contentious divorce may have led to the murder of a Maryland Circuit Court Judge who was found gunned down in his Washington County driveway while his family was inside their residence, officials say.  At around 8 p.m. on Thursday night, deputies were called to the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road in Hagerstown, where they found 52-year-old Judge Andrew Wilkinson suffering from gunshot wounds outside of his home. He was rushed to Meritus Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Judge Andrew WilkinsonWashington Count…