Anne Arundel Police Ask Parents to Keep Eye on Kids

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As civil unrest continues in nearby Baltimore, online chatter about possible actions in Anne Arundel County appear to be social media buzz rather than credible tips, says the police department.

Baltimore Police called for backup over the weekend, when a national rally against police brutality took place in the aftermath of the April 19 death of Freddie Gray. The 25-year-old Baltimore man died in police custody from a mysterious spinal injury, which has prompted a week of demonstrations.

On Monday Baltimore authorities said they had a credible threat that gang members were targeting police officers in that city and nationwide. Rival gang members came together to tell the media Monday night that the police statement is untrue.

Lt. T.J. Smith, spokesman for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, said about 30 officers from the force went to Baltimore Saturday to help with crowd control and Anne Arundel County has provided around-the-clock support to the Baltimore Police Department.

Resources within Anne Arundel County have not been affected as a result of the deployment to Baltimore, police said Tuesday. About 35 tactical deployment, civil disturbance teams, and commanders are in the city to support Baltimore police.

Three malls in Baltimore County -- including ones in Owings Mills and Dundalk -- closed early Tuesday because of rumors of youths planning to congregate at them. That prompted police to urge parents to keep track of where their kids are.

Residents said on Twitter Tuesday afternoon that there is a heightened police presence at the Annapolis Mall.

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In a statement the Anne Arundel department says: “We have continued to receive and monitor tips in reference to possible actions within Anne Arundel County. At this time, these reports/tips appear to be more social media rumor related than credible pieces of information. With that being said, we continue to monitor any and all tips as they come in.

We would ask that parents monitor their children. It is important to know where they are and who they are with. We have been in contact with our major shopping facilities and the school system.

Together, we can keep our citizens safe and ensure that these social media rumors don’t come to fruition. “

Follow the department’s Twitter handle for any breaking news in reference to these situations: @AACOPD