Police identify driver killed Saturday in single-car crash
A driver killed early Saturday in northeastern Carroll County after his car hit an icy stretch of road and struck a tree has been identified as James Robert Witte, 23, of the 4200 block of E. Main St., Lineboro, state police at the Westminster barracks said yesterday.
Witte was driving a 1998 Ford Mustang east on Wentz Road, about one-half mile east of Route 30 near the Pennsylvania line, about 12:30 a.m. police said, when the car slid across the center line, struck a guardrail on the westbound side of the road, became airborne and hit a large tree. Witte, who was alone, was thrown from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The Mustang apparently was traveling too fast for conditions, police said. An investigation is continuing.
Two idling vehicles taken by thieves in New Windsor
The owners of a pickup truck and a van lost tools and personal belongings in New Windsor last week after thieves drove off in the vehicles, which had been left running and unattended, state police at the Westminster barracks said.
Maryland State Police spokesmen reminded motorists that leaving idling vehicles unattended to warm up or to save time is a violation - subject to a traffic citation - and presents an opportunity for thieves. Such thefts increase during cold weather, police said.
In the first case, a 1999 Ford pickup carrying a toolbox was stolen about 7 a.m. Friday from the driveway of a home in the 3200 block of Atlee Ridge Road as its owner waited for it to warm up, police said. In the second, a 2002 Chevrolet van filled with tools and supplies was stolen about 8:30 a.m. Friday when the owner left it running at a convenience store at Church Street and New Windsor Road.
Both vehicles were recovered late Friday in Frederick County, police said. The tools and other property were missing.
Leaving a vehicle unattended and failing to remove the key and set the brake carries a $55 fine and one point on a driver's license or three points if the violation contributes to an accident, police said.
Carroll Hospital Center cancels several activities
Because of concern over the weather, Carroll Hospital Center has canceled all community education programs and screenings scheduled before 2 p.m. today.
Canceled events include:
Cardiac assessments from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Women's Place. Cardiac assessments have been rescheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Women's Place. Appointments are required at 410-848- 2244.
Colorectal cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Eldersburg Med Lab.
Blood pressure screenings from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the New Windsor post office, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westminster post office.
State police seek tips in Pizza Hut robbery
State police at Westminster are reinterviewing victims and conferring with other police agencies in hopes of gaining new information about a late-night armed robbery Friday at a South Carroll Pizza Hut.
Three men, one of whom displayed a handgun, entered the business in the 6300 block of Sykesville Road about 11 p.m. and ordered employees and customers to lie on the floor at the rear of the building, police said. Two other customers entered during the robbery and also were forced to lie behind the counter, police said.
The robbers took an undisclosed amount of money from employees and customers before fleeing on foot, police said. None of the victims was injured during the robbery.
The robbers were described as black males in their 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds and wearing dark hooded sweat shirts with the hoods pulled around their faces, police said. One man also wore a dark ski mask, while another had a dark bandana.
Detective Sgt. Andrew G. Winner said police are talking to officials in Baltimore City and Baltimore and Howard counties to determine whether similar crimes have been committed in those jurisdictions. Also, he said, "We'd love to have the public's assistance when trying to solve any kind of crime, especially an armed robbery like this."
He asked that anyone with information call the barracks at 410-386-3000.