Early morning armed robbery in Glen Burnie ends in arrest

GLEN BURNIE, MD— An armed robbery at a 7-Eleven on Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie led to a rapid police response and subsequent arrest early on June 9, 2024. At approximately 4:30 a.m., a suspect entered the convenience store, brandishing a handgun and demanding money from the clerk, who complied.

The suspect, identified as Chive Omar Benjamin, 21, of Baltimore, Maryland, then fled the scene on foot. Officers quickly searched the area and located Benjamin near Polk Circle. This encounter led to further investigation, including the execution of a search warrant on a white Toyota Camry allegedly used by Benjamin.

A search of the vehicle revealed significant evidence including a loaded handgun, $702 in U.S. currency, approximately 165 grams of suspected cannabis, and approximately 145 grams of suspected crack cocaine. The recovery of these items played a crucial role in substantiating the charges against Benjamin.

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers of commercial flights and highlights the effectiveness of rapid law enforcement response and follow-up investigations. Benjamin is currently facing charges related to armed robbery, drug possession and firearms offenses.

Baltimore, Maryland — Authorities are investigating a shooting in the Southern District that left a man hospitalized.

On June 10, at approximately 6:23 a.m., Southern District patrol officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 4300 block of West Bay Street. They found a 43-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting occurred in the 1300 block of Filbert Street following an argument.

Southern District detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2499 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

TOMS RIVER, New Jersey— Friday afternoon, Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2 were dispatched to a fire at a commercial property on Highland Parkway. At approximately 4:45 p.m., units arrived to find a fire in a small homeless encampment located in the woods behind the property. The fire, which involved various personal belongings including a camping tent, was quickly extinguished without further incident.

No one was injured during the incident.

The scene prompted investigations by the Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Prosecutors’ Office and the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention after discovering items including ashtrays, cigarettes and lighters which could potentially indicate the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross was also called to the scene to assist those affected by the fire. Despite the findings, the cause of the fire remains undetermined due to multiple contributing factors.

The East Dover Fire Company responded to a furnace fire in the Georgetown section of Toms River, while the chief of Fire Company 2700 responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in Ocean Beach.

Additionally, the Pleasant Plains Fire Department and Silverton Volunteer Fire Company were called to reports of a structure fire at a multi-family dwelling on the north end of town. This fire, which started in combustible mulch adjacent to the building, caused minor damage to the structure.

These incidents highlight a busy day for Toms River Emergency Services, demonstrating their preparedness and rapid response to various emergencies throughout the community.

BOSTON, MA— A 12-year-old juvenile was arrested Sunday evening by Boston police for assault involving a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred around 6:36 p.m. in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood, specifically near the intersection of Washington Street and Chilcott Street.

Officers from District E-13 responded to a radio call reporting a person with a knife. When they arrived, they received a description of a group of five juveniles who had allegedly threatened someone with a knife. Police quickly located and arrested a group matching the description at the corner of Montebello and Haverford streets.

During the check, the police searched the suspects and found a knife on one of the minors. The 12-year-old was then taken into custody and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court.

WOODBRIDGE, Virginia – On Thursday, Jakeline Sanchez and Richard Osmin Ascencio, both involved in a child abuse case, surrendered to authorities. The charges stem from an incident reported on January 22, 2023 at their residence in the 4300 block of Granby Road. in Woodbridge.

Richard Osmin Ascencio, 31, and Jakeline Sanchez, 28, each face charges of child abuse. Both individuals are currently being held without bail and court dates are pending.

The investigation gained momentum on June 4, when detectives completed their review of the death of a 19-month-old boy, who had been found unresponsive at the same address earlier that year and was subsequently pronounced dead at a local hospital. An autopsy revealed signs of abuse, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants after consultations with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.

The ongoing case has not yet resulted in a determination of the child’s cause of death by the medical examiner’s office. Other details surrounding the investigation remain secret as the legal process unfolds.

The Prince William County Police Department continues to handle the case and further information is available upon request at its public information office in Woodbridge.

In a recent ruling, a federal appeals court upheld the decision by Nichols Middle School in Middleborough, Massachusetts, to send student Liam Morrison home for wearing a T-shirt deemed demeaning to non-binary students . The incidents began when Morrison, 12, wore a shirt reading “There are only two genders” after the school’s Pride Day celebration.

The school argued that the shirt targeted non-binary students, prompting them to send Morrison home to maintain a safe and inclusive environment. This action resulted in further public demonstrations by both supporters and opponents of the school’s decision, sparking significant local controversy.

Morrison, backed by the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom, later filed a lawsuit, claiming the school’s actions violated his First Amendment rights. However, the appeals court ruled in favor of the school, citing the need to prevent disruption and protect the rights and safety of all students.

This case highlights the ongoing debate over free speech in schools and the balance between individual rights and maintaining an educational environment free of discrimination and harassment.