Crime & Safety

3 Anne Arundel Murders Tied To Gangs, Police Beg For Tips

Anne Arundel authorities said Friday that 3 murders are linked to gangs. Police asked for tips and don't care about immigration status.

MILLERSVILLE, MD — Anne Arundel County authorities held a press conference Friday afternoon to say that three deaths are murders linked to gang activity, and to ask the public to share tips that can lead to arrests. Multiple suspects have been arrested in the deaths, Chief Timothy Altomare said, although the suspects' names, the location of where bodies were found and other information has yet to be released.

Lt. Ryan Frashure said that the department couldn't release more information, for fear that more people could be hurt or killed.

Altomare asked residents to come forward with any information they may have on the deaths, and about gang activity in the county in general. The victims were killed in homicides, and multiple suspects have been arrested. The county department has received help from federal, state and local agencies around the clock, especially the Maryland State Police.

Find out what's happening in Anne Arundelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"I'm asking the citizens of Anne Arundel County from the bottom of my heart today, that if you're in fear, if you think a gang wants to hurt you, I'm begging you to come and talk to us," Altomare said. "Your lives matter to us, it's our job to keep you safe, we take it seriously. And we will move heaven and earth to get you the help you need if you need help to stay safe."

Anyone with tips to share can call police at the gang tipline, 410-222-4700 or 410-222-4117 if anyone has heard rumors, or might have a piece of the puzzle that can help police make arrests, the chief said.

Find out what's happening in Anne Arundelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

He declined to say whether bodies found recently in the Quiet Waters area of Annapolis and along the Beltway in the Glen Burnie area were among the three gang victims killed.

Whether a particular part of the county or demographic is being targeted wasn't clear, and he declined comment on whether the infamous MS-13 gang could be involved. Altomare said his message was aimed at every resident in the county, and he doesn't care about the immigration status of anyone who contacts his department for help.

"Gangs ain't gonna take over Anne Arundel County, period," the chief vowed. "I think that we have people living in fear in Anne Arundel County and it's gonna stop."

Patch will update this breaking news.

Patch file photo

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.