Several charges dropped in alleged sexual assault scandal and more: The Week’s Best of Police and Fire Reporting

Cities in Baltimore County raise awareness about safety-preparedness in the case of crime, two Owings Mills men are indicted on gun and drug charges, and a grand jury drops several sexual assault charges filed against a youth climbing instructor, as police and crime stories continue to unfold in Maryland this week. Keep your finger on the pulse of all that’s happening in and around your community with Patch’s fire and police beat. 

Did you know that one in four burglaries in Baltimore County occurs through an unlocked door or window? While the cities of and prepare to recognize the national “Night Out” to support crime prevention, you can find out how to better protect your home by reading these police safety tips on Catonsville Patch.

The Maryland Transit Authority has vowed to step up police patrols after at the Patapsco Light Rail station. Now, Baltimore County police are seeking the public’s help on identifying the suspects of the stabbing. More on .

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore says Abdul Zakaria headed a drug organization with Baltimore Police Officer Daniel Redd. Read about their alleged crimes on Owings Mills Patch.   

A Catonsville man who manages nearly 200 rental units in Baltimore plead guilty this week to three misdemeanor accounts for improper lead abatement and failing to disclose to tenants lead-based paint hazards. The details of their negligence and the effects of lead are on Catonsville Patch.  

Rounding out this week’s crime news with a case that has garnered much regional attention, a Howard County grand jury dropped several sexual assault charges this week filed against a former Earth Treks climbing coach. Columbia Patch has the story.