Cuddly Animals Prompt Health Warning: Patch PM

Here are some stories to share this evening from Patch sites across Maryland:

'Leave Cute, Cuddly Wildlife Alone,' Montgomery County Health Officials Say
Several times in recent weeks, individuals who handled young animals had to receive a series of rabies shots. Maryland law prohibits residents from possessing certain wild animals, including raccoons and foxes, because these and other animals can pose a significant risk to humans. “Wild baby animals may be cute and cuddly, but they should be left outside," health officials advised.

Man Flying Drone Near 5-Alarm Fire in College Park Arrested: Police
Homeland Security arrested a man allegedly caught flying a drone in restricted airspace in the area of Monday's five-alarm fire in College Park. The 24-year-old faces charges of interfering with police and fire response and reckless endangerment. Detectives will consult with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine whether additional criminal charges may be filed.

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Beltway Shooter Pleads Guilty In 2 Montgomery County Murders
The former federal security officer admitted to the May 2016 slayings of a man at Westfield Montgomery Mall and a woman at a Silver Spring Giant store. The previous day, he gunned down his estranged wife as she waited for her daughters in a Riverdale high school parking lot.

Astonishing Video Shows Devastation of College Park Blaze
The five-alarm blaze caused a record-setting $39 million in damage to an apartment complex under construction near the University of Maryland. Firefighters were still working to put out hot spots more than 24 hours after the fire first broke out in College Park.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Maryland network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.