Police, Community Relations Council Recap: Nov. 17

Members of the Precinct 7 Police and Community Relations Council met at the Bank of America building in Hunt Valley last night to honor officers, review recent crimes and provide updates on upcoming events and road closures.

Officers Jake Heins, Matt Gelazela and Sean Jennings were all acknowledged as the "Officer of the Month" for August, September and October, respectively. They were heralded for their bravery and dedication in the field.

"These men have all done fine work," said Capt. Martin Lurz.

• Officer Heins:  Apprehended a suspect who had allegedly harassed a community member. The suspect had been throwing rocks at her window and left a note on her door.
• Officer Gelazela: Served a first-degree warrant for burglary that resulted from stopping a suspicious subject while the officer was patrolling his post.
• Officer Jennings: Made an arrest for a first-degree assault after Nicholas Atkins allegedly stabbed two people at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

"You want to make sure you're not breaking traffic laws when these officers are out there working,"  Lurz added of the officers vigilance for community safety.

After the awards were handed out, Lurz brought the crowd up to speed on advancements made in recent crimes.

On Nov. 1, Patch reported on a series of burglaries that took place overnight in the Hayfields community on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. According to Lurz, although no arrests were made by the Baltimore County Police Department, the "activity has ceased."

"It appears that the suspects were looking for items in cars," he said. "We believe that these thefts from autos may be connects to ones in Parkville and Harford County. Harford made an arrest last [Tuesday] night."

Next on the agenda, he addressed the recent BB gun shootings that took place this past Sunday near the Warren Road bridge.

 "We've got some ideas of who it probably was," Lurz said. "The issue now is whether or not we have enough to charge them with.

After the incident, during which five cars were damaged with pellets and two people were injured, Baltimore County police quickly sealed off the area. Police were able to determine a possible escape route for a person of interest with use of a police helicopter.

On a lighter note, the group moved on to discussing administrative matters and future events.

"Shop with a Cop," an event where at least 100 officers converge with underprivileged children at the Hunt Valley Wal-Mart and purchase $100 worth of gifts and toys, is being held on Dec. 11. The event concludes with a luncheon at a nearby Outback Steakhouse. Precinct 7 will be sponsoring a child this year.

"I challenge the other PCRCs in Baltimore County to also sponsor a child," said Pam Rutledge, Director of the Precinct 7 PCRC.

Lurz then cautioned citizens to be aware that Phoenix Road will be closed as a result of "weight issues with construction."

Finally, the meeting concluded with a vote in favor of purchasing a new laptop for the Precinct 7 officers to use when they are out making presentations to the community.

The next meeting, which will take place on Dec. 15, will feature a group holiday party. Attendees are welcome to bring food and beverages.