Baltimore police announced the arrest of a man recently released from prison who they believe is responsible for a series of robberies, carjackings and home invasions.
Keith Ray, 36, was arrested Saturday after a call made from a stolen cell phone was traced to his girlfriend?s apartment.
“He was a one-man crime wave,” said Maj. Michael Tabor, head of the detective unit that apprehended Ray.
Police said they believe Ray is responsible for at least five robberies in the city, including a well-publicizedhome invasion in the Oakenshaw neighborhood. The robbery was publicized for its brazenness, with three people held at gunpoint while a fourth was forced to withdraw money from an ATM.
Ray was apprehended after police traced a call from a stolen cell phone to an apartment on the Comet Court in Baltimore County. Ray, who returned to the apartment while police were interviewing his girlfriend, attempted to escape by running through a glass door, police said.
Ray?s girlfriend was wearing a watch stolen in a recent robbery, police said. Ray had in his possession credit cards and jewelry from several recent robberies, including a wedding ring stolen from a victim during a carjacking.
Police said the suspect confessed to “numerous crimes,” and has been charged with five robberies. Tabor said that he anticipates more charges will be added. “He could be charged with between 15 to 20 robberies,” Tabor said. Ray allegedly told police the crime spree was fueled by an addiction to cocaine and heroin.
Ray was released from prison in April after serving 14 years for armed robbery and handgun violations. He is currently on parole.
Bryce Butler, 57, a Bolton Hill resident, said his alleged encounter with Ray was terrifying.
“He asked me for my jewelry, and I pleaded with him that I just got married, Bryce said. “But he said, ?Do you want to die?? ”
Butler turned over the ring, but escaped with his life. He gives credit to the police for making the experience bearable. “I can?t praise them enough. They were very passionate about arresting this guy,” he said. When police returned the ring, he said his wife put it back on his finger.
“I cried, and so did she.”
