Seven more police officers will be assigned to the Edgewood area to quell recent violence and public outcry, Harford County Sheriff R. Thomas Golding announced Tuesday.
County Executive David Craig and Assistant State?s Attorney Chris Tabone announced a joint effort to stop violence and gang activity, responding to residents alarmed by the killing of an Edgewood man last month.
“The cycle of violence and disrespect to human life will not be tolerated,” Craig said.
Kevin Harold Rowlette was fatally shot July 12 in Edgewater Village. Two weeks earlier, another Edgewood man was hit in the leg by a stray bullet. Golding clarified misconceptions about the number of Harford County police officers stationed in Edgewood.
“It has been suggested by some that the Harford County Sheriff?s Office does not care about the people of Edgewood, nor do we patrol the streets of this area as frequently as some would like,” Golding said.
“Nothing could be further from the truth.”
He said three experienced deputies are temporarily being assigned to the Community Action Response Team, and four to the Gang Suppression Unit to patrol Edgewood at night.
Twelve officers usually patrol Edgewood, whether visible or undercover, though many residents say they believe the number is four ? the minimum, Golding said.
Only 4 percent of the worst crimes in Harford County occurred in the Edgewood area, and the visible help cannot last forever, said Bob Thomas, Harford County police spokesman.
Drug dealers will be evicted, and their landlords will be prosecuted if they do not cooperate, Tabone said.
The county?s planning and zoning department will chip in to clean up the area?s appearance, said Aaron Tomarchio, Craig?s spokesman.
