The Pocomoke City Police Department Now on Facebook

In order for the community to stay up to date on community events and special alerts the Pocomoke City Police Department has created a facebook page.

Simply go to  the   POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT facebook page and click "like".

For those who follow Twitter, you can find the department there also.  @PocomokePolice

A Duty to Serve, an Honor to Protect

 

 

WICOMICO CO. MAN CHARGED FOR ASSAULT ON TROOPER

(BALTIMORE, MD) – The Wicomico County man who held a state trooper inside his car while he tried to flee a traffic stop has been charged in connection with the incident.

The suspect is identified as Harry F. Wyatt-Swift, 23, of Salisbury, Md. He is charged with attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, first and second degree assault, second degree assault on a law enforcement officer, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, an obstructing/hindering a police officer.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators served the warrant on Wyatt-Swift yesterday afternoon at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he is undergoing treatment for at least one gunshot wound and for injuries sustained when he subsequently ran into a utility pole guide wire and his car overturned. A court commissioner was at the hospital and conducted an initial appearance proceeding after the warrant was served. Wyatt-Swift was ordered held without bond and remanded to the custody of the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center. 

He will remain under guard by a security detail during his hospital stay, which is expected to last at least the next several days.

Wyatt-Swift was stopped by a state trooper from the Salisbury Barrack shortly before 1:30 a.m. on May 7, 2013, near Salisbury, for speeding and suspected DUI. When he attempted to flee the stop, the trooper reached in the vehicle to get the keys. The investigation indicates Wyatt-Swift grabbed the trooper’s arm and drove off, with the trooper hanging out the driver’s side window. After repeated commands to stop were ignored, the trooper was in fear for his life and shot Wyatt-Swift. The suspect released the trooper and drove on until he struck the guide wire and overturned. 

He was taken into custody when he surrendered to police after a brief search. 

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

　
1913.. Grand Jury's action brings conclusion to case in the mysterious death of a young Salisbury office worker; 1990.. State funds approved for new Beretta plant in Pocomoke City; 1941.. Hundreds of Eastern Shore farm families experience delay in obtaining electricity; 1930.. Passengers escape burning bus at Pocomoke City stop; 1885.. An unexpected arrival.

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!　

Northampton County Circuit Court Cases

Circuit Court of  Northampton County

Monday, May 6, 2013

 

The following cases were heard in Northampton County Circuit Court:

 

Antonio Lamont Robinson of Smyrna Delaware was sentenced to 10 years with all but 4 years suspended, drivers license suspended and supervised probation pending good behavior for 10 years. Robinson was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. It was his second offense.

 

Darion Baines of Painter pleaded guilty to 2 counts of malicious wounding. Sentencing was continued pending the preparation of a presentence report.

 

Jonathan Chase Melzer of Ash, NC pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute ecstasy; possession of bath salts with the intent to distribute; possession of psilocybin with the intent to distribute; possession with the intent to distribute LSD and possession of marijuana. The case was continued for a presentence report.

 

Calvin Young of Painter pleaded guilty to two counts of larceny and Joseph Lamont Hines of Birdsnest pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. Both cases were continued pending preparation of a presentence report.

40 O’Malley-Brown Tax Hikes Will Cost $20 Billion by 2018

40 O’Malley-Brown Tax Hikes Will Cost $20 Billion by 2018

Annapolis - Change Maryland released today stunning new figures on the tax impact that is accruing to Marylander's since 2007.  In two separate reports released today, Change Maryland documents the cumulative impact to 2014 and the one projected to 2018, the latest year for which there are official government estimates.

From 2007 to 2018, Marylander's will have paid nearly $20 billion in additional taxes and fees stemming from 40 separate O’Malley-Brown increases - an amount which is over and above the tax burden as it existed before 2007 and assumes no additional levies are enacted.

"Nobody expected the total impact to be this staggering, not even me," said Change Maryland founder and Chairman Larry Hogan. "Struggling Maryland families and small businesses simply cannot afford another four years of an O'Malley-Brown tax and spend binge."

Governor Martin O'Malley is backing Lt. Governor Anthony Brown as the heir apparent to the state's top office upon the expiration of his term in 2015. The Lt. Governor has stated a need to continue record "investments" in state government - code word for increasing taxes.

"The prospect of another four years of these policies will have a devastating effect on the productive components of the economy -  increasing tax flight, continuing the small business exodus and large corporate headquarters relocating to other states," added Hogan.

Since 2007, nearly 31,000 Marylander's fled to other states, the highest in the region, 6500 small businesses have left or shut down, the second-highest in the region, and just three Fortune 500 companies remain in the state.  This is a sharp contrast to 24 large corporate headquarters in Virginia and 23 in Pennsylvania.

The cumulative tax impact from 2007 to 2014 - the eight years of the O'Malley Administration  - is $9.5 billion.  The dramatic spike of the cumulative tax burden, an over two-fold increase in four years, is due to the phasing in of the gasoline tax and related transportation levies.  Additionally, the massive sales, corporate income and sales tax increases from 2007 are recurring revenue generators that, combined with subsequent revenue measures, increase the size and scope of government beyond anything ever witnessed in Maryland history.

"This is not just an argument about big government," said Hogan.  "It's about a government that is on auto-pilot to grow exponentially, beyond anything any of us have ever seen in our lifetimes and that comes directly at the expense of the private sector economy that we desperately need to diversify our employment base."

Previously, Change Maryland released a report that updated tax and fee increases following the 2013 session, which brought the total to 37 increases that remove $3.1 billion annually over and above the existing tax burden.  These latest reports adds new fees for gun purchases, enacted in 2013, and two newly-discovered measures buried in omnibus legislation and not subject to normal legislative procedures.

Change Maryland is the largest and fastest growing citizens organization in the state, made up of nearly 40,000 people. Its tax reports are derived from official government revenue estimates.

Background (attached)

Cumulative 2007-2014

Tax Fee v.5.2.13_CUM_OM

Cumulative 2007-2018

Tax Fee v.5.2.13_CUM_OM-Brown

Pocomoke City Police Department ~ Arrest Report

 

Pocomoke Police Department

Arrest Report

April 1 to April 30, 2013

 

 

04-01-2013 Chad Collins, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for Harassment and Telephone misuse.

 

04-04-2013 William Warfield, age 44 of Pocomoke was arrested on a Warrant for DUI, Driving Suspended and Driving without a License.

 

04-05-2013 Jacolby Roberts, age 22 of Pocomoke was arrested for CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS Distribution - Marijuana, CDS Distribution on School Property.

 

04-05-2013 Bryan Sturgis, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested CDS Distribution –Marijuana, CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS Distribution on School Property and Failure to Obey.

 

04-06-2013 Desmond Corbin, age 34 of Pocomoke was arrested for Assault 2nd Degree.

 

04-08-2013 Shazella Chacaram, age 27 of Pocomoke was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

04-08-2013 Terrica Copes, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

04-10-2013 Robert Wise, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested on a Warrant for Theft less than a $1,000.

 

04-11-2013 Ryan Hilton, age 21 of New Church, VA was arrested for CDS Possession-Marijuana.

 

04-12-2013 Arthur Hemmeian, age 61 of Salisbury, MD was arrested on a Warrant for Trespass.

 

04-13-2013 Brandon Selby, age 27 of Princess Anne, MD was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

04-14-2013 Latasha Renee Blake, age 28 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for Disorderly.

04-15-2013 Trae Rantz, age 18 of Oak Hall, VA was arrested for Theft Scheme $500 + and Malicious Destruction.

 

04-15-2013 Kenneth Gilfoyle, age 49 of Chincoteague, VA was arrested for Failure to Stop after an Accident.

 

04-19-2013 Cynthia Dawkins, age 46 of Cheriton, VA was arrested for Theft Less Than $10,000.

 

04-19-2013 Amanda Daisey, age 26 of Chincoteague, VA was arrested for numerous traffic violations.

 

04-19-2013 Gerri Fitch, age 33 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for CDS Possession.

 

04-19-2013 Vincent Wood, age 75 of Cheriton, VA was arrested for Theft less than $10,000.

 

04-20-2013 Raneeka Lankford, age 20 of Horntown, VA was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

04-24-2013 Patrick Richard, age 19 of Pocomoke was arrested for Theft less than $500.

 

04-25-2013 Jerrren Hinmon, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested for Possession CDS Paraphernalia.

 

04-25-2013 David Lewis, age 29 of Pocomoke was arrested for Child Neglect.

 

04-25-2013 Tajmahal Sanders, age 26 of Pocomoke was arrested for Child Neglect.

 

04-26-2013 Chad Collins, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested for CDS Possession not Marijuana.

 

04-27-2013 Zelaya Vilma Maraz, age 50 of Saxis, VA was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

04-30-2013 Patrick Stevenson, age 41 of Snow Hill was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

Twelve (12) additional arrests were made for various traffic violations.

Kelvin D. Sewell, Chief

Pocomoke City Police Department

Crabtown Cruisers ~ 19th Annual Car and Truck Show

Crabtown Cruisers

 

 

19th Annual Car and Truck Show

at

American Legion Post #93

2017 Bypass Road

Pocomoke City, MD.

 

Saturday,  May 11, 2013

1pm - 3pm

 

 

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Appreciation Weekend

2013 Summer Camp

Convenient and affordable activities for your children during the summer months

 

 

 For more information call 410-632-2144.

 

 

 

 

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

May. 6th, 2013

Maryland’s Legislative Business Impact for 2013

“How Not to Grow an Economy”

by Delegate Mike McDermott

 

As a result of the actions taken by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2013 Regular Session, we will continue to be a state that is  “unfriendly to business”. Our Corporate Tax rates remain the highest in the region and our layers of government process insure that we continue to be slow to respond and costly for business start ups.

 

This year we saw the passage of Off Shore Wind (SB-275) and the Electric Tax subsidy that comes with the package. It seems insignificant to talk about a monthly consumer fee of $2.00 or less, but that rate can and will rise. The additional cost of power to our business community will be much greater and will insure that we will be less competitive while our consumers foot the bill with every item they purchase along with the additional costs of local government (paid by every taxpayer). It is tragic to see the state jump through hoops to craft this type of subsidy for unproven energy while, at the same time, enact a moratorium on accessing Natural Gas deposits in Marcellus Shale. Maryland could be energy independent sporting tens of thousands of new jobs with zero tax increases or subsidies. Instead, we allow political correctness to dictate our energy policy, and, in particular, our energy portfolio. Silliness costs money and jobs.

 

 

Maryland remains at the point of the spear when it comes to the implementation of Obama Care. SB-274 was passed this year and will have a significant impact in particular on small business and our health care providers. The expansion and costs going forward are significant and should give pause to any prudent business person. I strongly encourage you to read this bill and pay particular attention to the Fiscal Impact Statement provided by the Department of Legislative Services. You will see why the vast majority of states are not moving forward with the implementation.

 

In another blow to business, we added a Sales Tax to gasoline (HB-1515) and established an automatic tax increase mechanism for the current Gasoline Excise Tax already in place (24.5 cents per gallon). The Sales Tax will rise every year for 4-years and the Excise Tax is linked to the Consumer Price Index and will rise every July 1st beginning this year. Mass Transit will be the big beneficiaries of this tax and local governments will continue to suffer the loss of Highway User Revenues. With the additional Toll increases going into effect at the same time, areas like the Eastern Shore, dependent upon goods being trucked in, will see these transportation costs passed onto them at the register. Everything will cost more money.

 

 

Although many of us warned people of the coming “Rain Tax” (HB-987) as passed in the 2012 Regular Session, many jurisdictions will be under the mandate as of July 1st and will be required to collect this new tax. Most residential properties will pay a flat rate through their property taxes, but Maryland businesses, churches, hospitals, etc. will be taxed based upon the amount of impervious surfaces they have on their respective property. Any surface area that obstructs water from entering the ground directly will be taxed based upon square footage in most jurisdictions (think of large warehouses and parking lots). Once again, consumers will be footing the bill.

 

All of these additional taxes, fees, and regulations add up to significant money for any business owner. There were also efforts to raise the Minimum Wage in our state which often results in tightening of belts and the loss of entrance level jobs. No doubt we will see those bills again in the future. The passage of the governor’s Gun Safety Act (SB-281) has essentially outlawed many firearms currently being produced in Maryland. Those manufacturers offer significant employment and most of them are in the process of relocating their companies to other states. Not only will our state not be any safer as a result of this bill’s passage, but we will now suffer the loss of tens of millions in revenue not easily replaced.

 

There were a few legislative efforts that are noteworthy for the potential positive outcome which may result. We also have a new Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development, Dominick Murray, who seems to understand the problem with the state’s position and has expressed a determination to streamline the process. One of the biggest obstacles to our business and economic growth is the failure of state agencies to work together on issues simultaneously to cut the time associated expenses companies and entrepreneurs need so desperately when they are starting or expanding an enterprise in Maryland.

 

As a result of many complaints I have received from business owners who have been subjected to random inspections and significant fines by the state for minor violations, I introduced HB- 104. The bill would have provided a much-needed grace period to small businesses found in violation of state regulations, giving them time to comply before being unfairly fined.  In response to the bill following the Committee Hearing in House Economic Matters, the Secretary of Labor and Licensing issued a letter establishing that his department would “only give warnings to businesses for first time offenses of minor violations of code.”  This public policy announcement is a big win for Marylanders, and I intend to hold the department to their word.

 

 

One thing you learn quickly from Annapolis is to be concerned about any “Study” or “Work Group” established by the members through legislation..  It is not uncommon for a host of regulations and other barriers to business to come from these groups.. Therefore, let me provide you with a couple of the approved “studies” that will take place over the next year upon which future legislation may be based in 2014:

SB-1068 establishes the Commission to Study the Regulation of Payroll. One of their chief missions is to determine the feasibility and cost of establishing State licensure or  registration of payroll service companies, including requiring qualifying examinations and the potential benefits of licensure or registration.

SB-916 establishing the Task Force to Study Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements for Electricians.  Their principle task will be to “review appropriate approaches for the licensure of electricians at the State and local level to protect citizens and provide for efficiency of electrical services across county lines.”

 

If you have an interest in these areas, please reach out to my office and we will make sure you have a good contact with an individual who will be serving on the Study Group. This is the best place to insure that you stay on top of any new proposals before they advance to proposed legislation.
 

There always seem to be new layers of regulations and permitting that are brought forward every year affecting various business sectors. This year was no different. Here are a couple of fields that will be impacted:

SB-280 Landscape Architects – License Renewal – Continuing Professional Competency Requirement.  This bill will adopt regulations to require a licensee to demonstrate continuing professional competency by completing a certain number of hours of professional development activities as a condition of renewal of a license to practice  landscape architecture.

HB-347 Professional Engineers – Firm Permits. This bill will alter the permitting requirements for engineering firms and creates a significant process through which future firms are to be permitted. It alters current practices of business and establishes fines for violations.

 

 

 

There were a couple of bills that sought to improve the business environment.

SB-273 Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013. This bill will require certain state licensing units and boards to give credit to certain former service members for relevant military training, education, and experience in connection with the issuance of certain occupational and professional licenses, certificates, and registrations. While many private organizations are working with our veterans to this end, it is good to see our state take this position as well.

SB-65 Workers’ Compensation–Claim Processing–Electronic Delivery of Decisions. This legislation will allow for certain decisions to be communicated through electronic means to the affected parties. It should speed up the process and reduce paperwork.

 

 

There are many bills which would have been problematic for business which did not pass through their assigned committee or failed in one of the two chambers. Most of them are sponsored by the Chairman of the sitting committee and that means we have probably not seen the last of them by far. If a bill is successful in one chamber, you will most likely see it again with a renewed effort in the coming session. I have provided links for a more indepth look at each piece of proposed legislation.

SB-576 Community Cleanup and Greening Act of 2013 (Bag Tax)-Chairman Bill

SB-554 Business Occupations and Professions - Private Process Service - Licensing and Certification-Chairman Bill

SB-528 Business Regulation - Shark Fin Soup - Prohibition on Sale or Consumption

SB-78 Maryland Home Improvement Commission - Guaranty Fund – Claims-Chairman Bill

SB-77 State Board of Plumbing - Continuing Professional Competency - Master Plumbers and Master Natural Gas Fitters-Chairman Bill

SB-57 State Board of Individual Tax Preparers - Prohibited Acts - Civil Penalty-Chairman Bill

SB-827 Streamlined Tax Administration Act of 2013 (Creation of a new Division of Business Regulation and Taxation within DLLR)

SB-469 Business Relief and Tax Fairness Act of 2013 (Combined Reporting)

HB-122 Commercial Law - Automotive Repair Facilities - Tire Repairs (Tire Removal)

HB-595 Workers' Compensation - Retaliation by Employer – Prohibition-Chairman Bill

SB-1062 Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Attorney's Fees

SB-1059 Landlord and Tenant - Application Fees - Prospective Tenants Who Receive Housing Assistance

SB-179 Architects, Landscape Architects, and Professional Land Surveyors - Firm Permits-Chairman Bill

SB-794 Real Property - Regulation of Common Ownership Community Managers

SB-725 Business Regulation - Junk Dealers and Scrap Metal Processors - Holding Period for Junk and Scrap Metal

It is also important to recognize the legislators who were honored by Maryland Businesses for Responsive Government (MBRG) for outstanding contributions and consistently pro-business voting records. I was proud to be on this list for another year along with some of my colleagues on the Eastern Shore:   Receiving awards during a recent ceremony in Annapolis were Delegates Steve Hershey, R-36-Queen Anne's; Jay Jacobs, R-36-Kent; Charles Otto, R-38A, Somerset; and Del. Mike McDermott, R- 38-B Worcester. All of us received 100% ratings from the past several legislative sessions when it came to votes impacting Maryland business.

I strongly encourage you to stay informed on the various bills impacting our state in each session. I provide regular updates during the interim and my weekly “Field Notes” on activities happening during any Session of Maryland’s General Assembly. You can sign up and review any of my press releases or postings at delegatemcdermott.com along with receiving Twitter and Facebook updates.

Mar-Va Theater ~ THROWBACK THURSDAY

Thursday, May 9th

 

7 PM

 

Tickets: $5

www.marvatheater.com

Vet Willing To Offer Cemetary Plot To Boston Bombing Suspect

USAF Vet Willing to Offer Cemetery Plot to Boston Bombing

Photo/Fox News

Suspect
Updated: Tuesday, May 7 2013, 06:35 PM EDT
[UPDATED]

US Air Force (USAF) veteran Julie Frein said she is willing to give up her burial plot at Arlington National Cemetery to Tamerlan Tsarnaev - the deceased Boston bombing suspect.

The Anne Arundel County woman told Fox45 she feels the terrorist suspect should be able to be laid to rest and just wants it to all be over.

"I feel sympathy for [his family] in that as long as this issue is open, they can't have closure," Frein told Fox45's Joy Lepola. When asked how she thought Americans would react to the suspect being buried in a national cemetery, Frein replied "Well the country would just have to get over that, wouldn't they? Because nobody, nobody deserves to rot above ground."

Frein has already called the funeral home in Massachusetts where Tsarnaev's body is currently stored and is in the process of contacting the Office of Veteran Affairs to see if she will be able to offer up her plot.
Frein served in the USAF for two years. Her husband served in the US Navy for 20 years.
*Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday responded saying the bombing suspect could not be buried there.*

Source:


USAF Vet Willing to Offer Cemetery Plot to Boston Bombing Suspect

Death of 2 year old Being Investigated By the Accomack County Sheriff's Office

Accomack County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Todd Godwin

Belle Haven- On Tuesday, April 30th at approximately 10:52 am, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of a child injured from a fall at the Mill Run Apartments in Belle Haven.

  Rescue personnel from the Community Fire Company in Exmore responded to the scene and transported the child to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital where the child was pronounced dead. 
The two-year old child has been identified as 2 year old Jasheena Bull of Belle Haven.


An autopsy was conducted on May 1st at the Medical Examiner's Office in Norfolk. The cause of death is pending and the investigation into this incident is continuing.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.

Tips can also be submitted through our website at: www.accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.

Juvenile falls From Third Story Window

On May 4, 2013, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Ocean City Police responded to a residence on 52^nd Street in reference to a fall from a third story window.

The investigation revealed that several juveniles were at the location for a party and had been consuming alcoholic beverages. During the party, the victim, identified as a 14-year-old female from Worcester County, attempted to exit the unit through a third story window and fell. The victim was conscious and alert when police arrived but was disoriented.

The victim was treated at the scene by OCFD Paramedics and was then flown to University of Maryland Medical Center’s Shock Trauma in Baltimore as a precaution by Maryland State Police helicopter.

The victim was later released from Shock Trauma to her parents.

Foul play is not suspected in this incident.

Ocean City Police will not be releasing the name of the victim or the other juveniles involved. The findings of the incident will be forwarded to Worcester County Social Services for further investigation.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Coast Guard Medevacs Man From Bulk Carrier Anchored Near Cape Charles, VA

 (U.S. Coast Guard photo by
 Fireman Crystal Quinn)

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 46-year-old man Monday from a 968-foot bulk carrier while the ship was anchored near Cape Charles.

The ship's agent of the KM Osaka contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders at approximately 6:45 p.m. reporting a man broke his arm and requested a medevac.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders diverted a crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles to assist.

"The crew was underway conducting training near Kiptopeke when we received the call," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Clements, the officer-of-the-day at Station Cape Charles. "This allowed the crew to arrive on scene within approximately 15 minutes. Due to our close partnership with local emergency medical services personnel, they were waiting for the crew to return to the station, which allowed for a timely transfer of the patient to receive medical treatment."

The man was taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox.

Submitted:
U.S. Coast Guard

Voluntary Gun Turn-In At Pocomoke City Police Department

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE TO HOLD VOLUNTARY GUN TURN-IN AS PART OF INAUGURAL STATEWIDE GUN TURN-IN DAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 11.  RESIDENTS CAN DROP OFF UNWANTED FIREARMS, NO QUESTIONS ASKED.  ATTORNEY GENERAL GANSLER COORDINATES STATEWIDE EFFORT TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE.

Pocomoke City, MD - The Pocomoke City Police Department is partnering with Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler in the inaugural statewide gun turn-in day to provide residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted firearms.  Officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department will be on hand at the Pocomoke City Police Department, 1500 Market Street, Pocomoke City between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, May 11 to accept handguns, rifles and shotguns for safe disposal. No personal identification is required and no advance appointment is necessary.

“I want to thank Chief Kelvin D. Sewell and the Pocomoke City Police Department, the many other local law enforcement agencies and the Maryland State Police for participating in this gun turn-in event and making our communities safer as a result,” said Attorney Doug Gansler. “Anyone who has a gun that is no longer wanted will be able to get rid of it safely during this event, no questions asked.”

Any type of firearm will be accepted and it need not be in working order. Individuals turning in guns should transport and handle them safely, making sure they are unloaded, and follow any instructions given by the law enforcement officer upon arrival at the gun turn-in location.

Once surrendered, the firearm will/may e processed through law enforcement databases to determine if it has been reported stolen or flagged as being a firearm used in the commission of a crime.

WHAT: Pocomoke City Police Department Gun Turn-In Day
 DATE: Saturday, May 11, 2013
 TIME: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
 WHERE: Pocomoke City Police Department, 1500 Market Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland

For more information about the statewide gun turn-in day, including a list of participating locations, visit http://www.oag.state.md.us/gun turn in.html

DUI SUSPECT WOUNDED AFTER FLEEING TRAFFIC STOP WITH TROOPER IN THE CAR

(SALISBURY, MD) – A Wicomico County man is being treated for wounds he sustained early this morning when he was shot by a Maryland state trooper after he fled from a traffic stop while holding the trooper inside his vehicle.

The suspect is identified as Harry F. Wyatt-Swift, 23, of Salisbury, Md. He is currently undergoing treatment for injuries at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He is under State Police guard at the hospital. Charges against him are pending and are expected to be filed later today.

The trooper involved is identified as Trooper First Class Richard Keidel, a five-year veteran of the Maryland State Police. TFC Keidel is assigned to road patrol duties at the Salisbury Barrack.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 1:30 a.m. today, TFC Keidel was patrolling in a marked State Police vehicle on Johnson Road near Nevins Place in Wicomico County, when he saw a car that was speeding and had a tag light out. As he moved behind the vehicle, the trooper saw the Honda passenger car swerve and almost hit a telephone pole.

The trooper stopped the car on Johnson Road east of Nevins Place and made contact with the driver and only occupant of the vehicle, who was later identified as Wyatt-Swift. The trooper smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage and began a DUI investigation.

After the trooper had Wyatt-Smith get out of his car, he began to demonstrate a field sobriety test he was asking the driver to perform. The suspect then ran back to his car in an attempt to flee the scene.

TFC Keidel reached into the car in an attempt to take the keys. The investigation indicates Wyatt-Smith grabbed his arm and drove off, with the trooper hanging out the driver’s side window. The trooper repeatedly told Wyatt-Smith to stop, but the suspect refused to and continued to drive down Johnson Road.

In fear for his life, TFC Keidel fired his Department-issued .40 caliber pistol. Wyatt-Smith was struck in the abdomen and in the side of his face. The suspect let go of the trooper, who fell to the roadway as the car continued on.
TFC Keidel ran back to his patrol vehicle, called in the shooting and proceeded in the direction of the suspect. About two miles later, he found the suspect’s car where it had apparently struck a telephone pole support wire and overturned on Johnson Road east of Eastwood Circle. The suspect was not in the car.

Troopers and Wicomico County deputies responded to the scene and began a search for the suspect. A short time later, Wyatt-Smith walked out of the woods and surrendered. He was given immediate emergency care and EMS personnel were summoned to the scene.

Wyatt-Smith was transported by ambulance to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. He was later transported by ambulance to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

TFC Keidel sustained injuries and was treated and released at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. As is procedure in police involved shootings, he has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The shooting investigation is being conducted by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, which is procedure in police involved shootings. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be presented to the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. An investigation will be conducted by the Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Unit, which is also procedure. 

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Worcester County Rabies Vaccination Clinics

 

 

Worcester County Rabies Vaccination Clinics

SNOW HILL, Md. –Pet owners, mark your calendars and take advantage of the inexpensive rabies vaccination clinics offered this spring by the Worcester County Health Department and Animal Control.

Rabies is a dangerous fatal disease and ongoing problem in the county. People and animals can be infected by the virus if they are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal. Low-cost rabies clinics are offered to help residents protect their dogs, cats and ferrets.

The scheduled clinics will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at:•
 
Wednesday, May 8, WORCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL, 6207 Timmons Road (east side Rt. 113, just north of Snow Hill), Snow Hill, MD.
•
 Thursday, May 9, BISHOPVILLE VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT, 10709 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, MD.
•
Wednesday, June 12, WORCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL, 6207 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, MD.

The cost for a rabies vaccination is $5 per pet for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet for non-Worcester County residents. Proof of residency is required. Vaccinations are available for dogs, cats and ferrets. Below are additional requirements for the clinics:

● If this is not the pet’s first rabies vaccination, written proof of the previous shot in the form of a rabies certificate must be provided in order to receive a three-year booster shot. Otherwise, a one-year shot will be given.

 ● To receive a vaccination, dogs must be on a leash under the control of an adult, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or box with air holes.