Police warn of man preying on women after offering jobs
TOWSON -- Baltimore County police are warning residents about a man who has lured three women to restaurants or motels with offers of lucrative jobs and bonuses, then sexually assaulted them.
Bill Toohey, Police Department spokesman, said the women told police a man who knew personal information about them called them at work, offered high-paying jobs in Florida or California and a $5,000 bonus if they made an immediate decision. He then asked to meet them. Police believe the same man is responsible because the same ruse was used in all three cases, one in January 1998, one in October 2000 and a third May 11. One of the assaults occurred in a car, the other two in a motel room.
Police described the man as white, 50 to 55 years old, 170 to 200 pounds with brown and gray hair, blue eyes and a well-groomed, professional appearance. Anyone with information about the man or similar incidents is asked to call county police at 410-307-2020.
Sons of American Legion plans proper flag disposal
PARKVILLE -- Worn and tattered U.S. flags will be retired properly during a ceremony performed by the Sons of the American Legion, Parkville Squadron 183 at 7 p.m. tomorrow.
During the ceremony at the Parkville American Legion post, 2301 Putty Hill Ave., legion members will inspect flags and honor them with a statement and prayer before they are dipped in kerosene and placed on a rack over a fire.
The public is invited to attend and take flags for future disposal. Worn flags also may be taken to any American Legion post.
Gwynnbrook Ave. closing for widening, construction
OWINGS MILLS -- Gwynnbrook Avenue, from Academy Avenue to Owings Mills Boulevard, will be closed starting today for widening and construction of utility lines and a storm drain.
Traffic will be detoured to Academy Avenue, Timber Grove Road and Owings Mills Boulevard.
Gwynnbrook Avenue will be closed through the summer, Baltimore County officials said.
Valleys Planning Council schedules annual meeting
OWINGS MILLS -- The Valleys Planning Council will hold its annual meeting at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Garland Theater at Garrison Forest School, 300 Garrison Forest Road.
Speaker will be Nat Williams, director of the Maryland/DC Nature Conservancy.
The council is in its 40th year of working to preserve open space in Baltimore County. The meeting will be preceded at 7 p.m. by coffee and cake. Information and reservations: 410- 337-6877.
In Baltimore City
Groundbreaking for homes set in Sandtown-Winchester
Groundbreaking for 66 town homes in Sandtown-Winchester is scheduled Thursday in the 1100 block of Whatcoat St.
The project is part of a long-term revitalization program for the West Baltimore community. In March, nonprofit groups said they planned to build or renovate more than 330 homes for low-income residents.
"It's the next big effort for Sandtown," said Chickie Grayson, president of Enterprise Homes Inc., a subsidiary of the Enterprise Foundation, which is a partner with Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development to build the houses.
Man, 19, fatally shot near Broadway East home
A 19-year-old man was shot early yesterday near his home in the city's Broadway East neighborhood and died minutes later at Johns Hopkins Hospital, police reported.
Eastern District officers responding to a report of gunshots about 1 a.m. found Lavonte Daughtry lying near his home in the 1500 block of N. Bradford St., bleeding from at least one wound to his upper body. Anyone with information about the slaying was urged to call Detective Michael Johnson at 410-396- 2100.
In an unrelated case early Saturday, police identified 17-year-old Juanita Dorsey of the 2700 block of Wilkens Ave. yesterday as the victim of an incident two blocks from her home in the 2500 block of Wilkens Ave. Dorsey died at the scene.
A 13-year-old boy believed shot during the same incident was treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital and released. His name was not divulged.
Councilwoman to introduce bill raising dropout age to 18
City Councilwoman Catherine E. Pugh says she will introduce legislation today seeking to raise the school dropout age from 16 to 18.
The bill would require action by the state and the school system. Pugh, a 4th District Democrat, said 16 is too young because people that age cannot get decent jobs, vote or join the military.