JOPPA, MD—A significant fire damaged a single-family dwelling on Friday morning, resulting in substantial losses and the hospitalization of one resident. The incident occurred at 2402 Woodlea Drive in Harford County.
The fire, reported at 11:43 AM, was discovered by a passerby who noticed flames on the exterior side porch of the one-story house. The Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company responded promptly, controlling the blaze within 15 minutes with the help of 40 firefighters.
Andrew Bendis, the homeowner, was not present during the incident. However, a 34-year-old female occupant was sleeping in the basement and was alerted to the fire by a neighbor. She managed to escape unharmed with the family cat and was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The property suffered estimated losses of $150,000, including $100,000 in structural damage and $50,000 in content loss. The home was equipped with a working smoke alarm that activated, but it did not have a fire sprinkler system. Additionally, two vehicles near the property also sustained significant damage from the heat.
Investigations by the Deputy State Fire Marshals are ongoing, with discarded cigarettes or an electrical failure not ruled out as potential causes. K9 Blondie was utilized at the scene to assist in the investigation. Friends and family are currently aiding the affected occupants.
- Man Stabbed During Robbery Attempt on Aqueduct Walkway
NEW YORK, NY—A 35-year-old man was stabbed multiple times during a robbery attempt early Friday morning on the Aqueduct Walkway. The incident occurred shortly before 6:00 AM.
The victim entered into a verbal dispute with an unknown male who attempted to steal a large sum of money. The altercation escalated, and the assailant stabbed the victim five times in the chest, arm, and thigh. Following the attack, the suspect fled northbound on foot.
Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to Saint Barnabas Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. Authorities are searching for a male suspect described as having a dark complexion, dreadlocks, and a large build. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, black t-shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers. The investigation is ongoing as police seek further information.
- D.C. Man Sentenced for Possessing Modified Automatic Weapon
WASHINGTON – Noah Jackson, 23, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for possessing a modified Glock 23 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. The sentencing follows his guilty plea to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, and MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson also ordered three years of supervised release for Jackson.
Court documents detail that on August 17, 2022, Jackson was apprehended with the modified firearm during a traffic stop on Spring Road, NW, after failing to stop at stop signs. The handgun, found under the seat Jackson occupied, was equipped with a “giggle switch,” converting it to fully automatic, and contained a high-capacity magazine loaded with ammunition.
Jackson, who had previously faced felony charges in 2018, had also referenced owning such a modified weapon in his rap videos on YouTube, indicating his awareness and use of the illegal modification.
- Guatemalan Migrant Sentenced for Prostitution Ring and Illegal Reentry
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Maco Jacome-Jacome, a 30-year-old from Guatemala, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after admitting to aiding and abetting the transportation of an individual for prostitution and illegal reentry into the United States following deportation.
Jacome-Jacome, who had been deported twice before, illegally returned to the U.S. and recruited a Mexican citizen also illegally present to travel from Atlanta to North Charleston for prostitution. He managed the victim’s appointments, advertised her services using derogatory terms, and transported her to various locations for commercial sex, while only allowing her to keep 25% of the earnings.
U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel handed down the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release, emphasizing the need for a sterner penalty than the 8-14 months initially suggested by sentencing guidelines. The court aimed to reflect the severity of the crimes, prevent future offenses, and protect the public. In the federal system, there is no option for parole.
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