Shoplifter takes a ride
An Ocean City boardwalk business manager shared news of an attempted theft on Friday.
“Last night, we had a shoplifting incident at The Kite Loft,” the statement said. “A woman came into the store and stole several items.
“We have well trained employees and an excellent camera system, so as a result, the police were called and the woman in question was quickly identified on the boardwalk. When the police approached her, she quickly escalated the situation and went absolutely berserk.
“She started to scream obscenities and fight with the officers. It took five police officers to get her under control.
“Needless to say, she won a free vacation in the Ocean City Police Department Gray Bar Hotel. Her charges went from a simple misdemeanor shoplifting citation to felony charges of assault and resisting arrest. Such a moron.
“You know, it’s hard enough for any business to stay afloat during this pandemic. To steal from businesses that are already hurting is reprehensible. Know this, we will catch you each and every time it happens and the outcome will not be pleasant for you. So the lesson here is, ‘Don’t steal from us!
“I want to thank the Ocean City Police Department for a quick and decisive response and for having to deal with this ridiculous situation in the first place. You are truly an asset to this entire community.”

Md. Firemen’s Association
A call to action from Maryland State Firemen’s Association Vice Chair Jimmy Malone:
“We need your help. The state budget office is trying to rid the state and its citizens of a State Police helicopter. They also want to close a base station.
“We cannot let this happen! Please contact your state and local officials as soon as possible. Our State Police helicopters are an integral part of our emergency medical system.
“Please let everyone know what the state is trying to do. Any questions, please call 410-207-2531. Thank you.”

Hurlock Police
“We have noticed a recent increase in thefts from unlocked vehicles,” a statement from the Hurlock Police Department said last week. “The perpetrators are traveling randomly about town checking for unlocked vehicle doors. Please lock your vehicles and remove any valuables. Also if you see any suspicious activity please report it to us immediately.”

Toilet fire
Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded an investigation into a portable toilet fire that occurred in the Harford County area of Graybeal Fields, adjacent to Red Pump Elementary School, located at 590 Red Pump Road in Bel Air.
On July 9, at 12:50 a.m., deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office discovered the charred remains of the porta-potty and requested the Office of the State Fire Marshal to investigate.
During the course investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals identified an 18-year-old Bel Air man as the suspect.
Christopher Tyler James was charged with second-degree arson, malicious burning second degree, and malicious destruction of property less than $1,000. James was served with a criminal summons Thursday morning at the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack and released.
The single-unit portable toilet was the property of Reliable One Services and had an estimated value of $750. The investigation continues, and additional charges are pending.
Hurlock VFC
“Thank you so much for the overwhelming support Saturday for our chicken barbecue,” a post from the Hurlock Fire Department said Sunday. “We sold out early. We are planning a Fish Fry on Sept. 11 and another chicken barbecue Oct. 3.”