Budget cuts in Baltimore that threaten 600 jobs also could mean the elmination of Foxtrot, the seemingly omnipresent police helicopter that flies over the city. A department spokesman has said its loss -- it costs the city $4 million a year -- would be "devastating."
This morning, police said the helicopter helped officers arrest suspects in a carjacking in Baltimore County and made it unnecessary for officers on the ground to engage in a high-speed pursuit. The observer in Foxtrot kept track of the car from above.
Since 2001, the helicopters have responded to more than 80,000 calls for service and assisted in 4,300 arrests. Though a function of the Police Department, the unit makes homeland security checks on critical infrastructure and assists the Fire Department and emergency operations. (
added this - J.F.
)
Here are some details from Baltimore police:
On March 24, 2010, at approx. 1630 hours, P/O Mark Verkest, noticed a black Acura w/o front bumper traveling in the Diener Place area (SWD has had several discharging calls in Diener Place area involving a black Acura w/o a bumper).
Verkest attempted to pull over, but vehicle fled. For safety reasons, officers disengaged and enlisted support of aviation unit for following. After short distance, driver and passenger bailed,but were quickly apprehended. It was learned during this that the vehicle was involved in an armed carjacking in Baltimore County.
During the following and subsequent foot chase, FoxTrot did an excellent job positioning the SWD units and tracking the suspects for their eventual capture. Everything was accomplished w/o injury or accidents.
Arrested were:
Marvin Kosh, 19, of the 100 block of Diener Place
Joseph Butler, 18, of the 300 block of Marydell Ave.