Off-Duty Deputy in Gun Battle, Teen Struck by Car, 'Mayday' Hoax: News Nearby

Patch has community sites across Maryland. Here are some of the top posts from the past 24 hours.

• Large Fire Destroys Barn, Injures Firefighter in Lothian
• Deputy Gets in Gun Battle With Armed Robbers in Largo: Police
• Young Teen Struck by Car, Seriously Injured in Friday Wreck: Fire Department

Hoax Distress Calls Traced to Annapolis Area: Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a hoax caller who has made 28 false distress alerts during the last two years. All calls were determined to have originated from the Annapolis area between Loretta Heights and Admiral Drive along 450/West Street.

They involved the same male voice transmitting over VHF-FM marine radio channel 16. The hoax caller has been making the false distress calls since July 2014, and the two most recent were received at 10:27 p.m. Thursday and at 1:08 a.m. Friday stating, "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday." >>> Read more.

Baltimore Mayor 'Gavels In' 2016 Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention is underway Monday, and a familiar face kicked off the event. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake struck the gavel at 4 p.m. to usher in the start of the convention, which serves to unite the Democratic party heading into the 2016 Presidential election.

Outgoing head of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz was originally supposed to "gavel in" the start of the formal proceedings but is departing amid accusations that she conspired to damage the Bernie Sanders campaign. >>> Read more.

• Hooters to Close After Serving Motorist Who Killed Cop: Report
• Maryland Weather Forecast: When Will it Cool Down?
• 17 Injured in Bus Crash Saturday in Harmans Area
• Police Arrest Person Accused of Killing Elderly Man As He Filled Up Gas Tank in PG County

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• Swimming in Reservoirs is Illegal: Police
• One Killed in Crash Near MD 175: Report
• Bank Robbed, Suspect Info Wanted: Sheriff
• Violent Crimes Unit Investigates Shooting in Towson Precinct