Two Arundel men injured in New Year's Eve fracas

Two men were injured when violence broke out in the packed lobby of a Hanover hotel just as New Year's Eve celebrations peaked about midnight, Anne Arundel County police said. One man was shot and another was stabbed, but police said their injuries were not considered life-threatening. Both were taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Officers who were dispatched to the Aloft Arundel Mills hotel in the 7500 block of Teague Road a few minutes after midnight found a large crowd leaving the lobby and discovered the two injured men, one age 18, the other 21. The names of the Anne Arundel residents were not released. Shortly before police arrived, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department had been summoned to the hotel for a complaint about overcrowding. Firefighters were at the scene when the assaults occurred, and they were able to quickly help the victims, according to police. The motive for the attacks was unclear.

- Nick Madigan

Annapolis pedestrian killed in hit-and-run incident

A pedestrian in Annapolis was struck by a large vehicle and killed early Friday, Anne Arundel County police said. The driver drove away from the scene and was being sought. The accident occurred as the vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Suburban or pickup truck, was being driven east on Bay Ridge Road, near Edgewood Road, shortly before 2 a.m. The vehicle struck the man as he walked in the road's right lane or as he tried to cross the thoroughfare, a statement from police said. After the collision, the vehicle's driver continued east on Bay Ridge Road. The pedestrian, identified as Alfred Byrd of the 1200 block of Louis Ave. in Annapolis, was pronounced dead at the scene. His age was not available. Based on evidence recovered by the police, the vehicle is believed to be a Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe built between 2000 and 2006 or a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from 1999 to 2002. Police said the vehicle had significant damage. It is missing the right front headlight, part of a bug deflector mounted along the edge of the hood and several portions of the right side of the grill. When the pedestrian was struck, he was wearing dark clothing and walking in the roadway. Police are trying to identify the victim and to find the vehicle and its driver. Anyone with information is urged to call the Anne Arundel County Police Department at 410-222-8573 or 410-222-8610.

- Nick Madigan

D.C. hits 43-year low in homicide totals for 2009

WASHINGTON - Washington, D.C. has hit a 43-year low in homicides. Police say the nation's capital recorded 143 slayings in 2009, the fewest since 1966. The homicide total represents a 23 percent drop from 2008. Many other cities also saw fewer homicides in 2009, and the FBI reported that murder was down 10 percent nationwide in the first six months of the year. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says the reduction can be attributed in part to intelligence-driven policing, better use of technology and focusing on repeat violent offenders. The Washington Post reports that slayings were also down in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

- Associated Press