Crime & Safety
Annapolis, Anne Arundel Police Aware of Threat to 'Take Out' Cops
Gangs have said they will harm police in the wake of a Baltimore man's death in custody; area agencies are paying heed to the threat.
Several gangs have put out a hit on police officers, warns the Baltimore Police Department, even as Anne Arundel County Police help support Baltimore officers dealing with a week of protests following a man’s death in police custody.
In Annapolis, Cpl. Amy Miguez says, “We have heard of the threat. If Baltimore is taking the threat seriously, we are, as well. We are working to make sure our officers remain safe while continuing to serve the public.”
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The Baltimore Police reported Monday morning that the department has received a “credible threat” that several gangs have targeted police officers. It also urged law enforcement nationwide to be on alert.
Police issued this statement:
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The Baltimore Police Department/Criminal Intelligence Unit has received credible information that members of various gangs including the Black Guerilla Family, Bloods and Crips have entered into a partnership to ’take-out’ law enforcement officers.
This is a credible threat. Law enforcement agencies should take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of their officers.
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.
Over the weekend, the Nation of Islam facilitated a truce between rival gangs the Bloods and the Crips, who united in the rally against police brutality, according to The Daily Beast.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department is aware of the threat, says Lt. T.J. Smith, but he can’t disclose any information about how the department is handling from a tactical or intelligence standpoint.
About 30 Anne Arundel County officers went to Baltimore Saturday to help with crowd control and Smith says “we are continuing with our support to the Baltimore Police Department.”
The Annapolis department hasn’t sent officers to Baltimore, Miguez said.
This is a developing story and will be updated. Patch Editor Elizabeth Janney reported Baltimore Police warning.
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