A digest of Baltimore news from local sources.
From The Baltimore Sun: Lakeview Towers Residents Protest Lack of Running Water
"Residents of Reservoir Hill's Lakeview Towers on Sunday protested their third day without running water or heat in the public housing complex overlooking Druid Hill Park.
"Nearly 50 tenants in the building owned by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City stood outside at 727 Druid Park Lake Dive and chanted, "We need water. We need help."
"Tenants in the building include the elderly and disabled. Many attended the rally in wheelchairs or motorized scooters.
"Residents said they had been supplied with gallon jugs of drinking water after the water was shut off. They complained they lacked water to flush toilets or take baths.
"'It stinks so bad in here,' said Earl Montigue, one of the affected tenants. He said water stopped running in his apartment late Thursday.
"A spokesperson for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's office said the housing authority is responsible for the issue.
"Tania Baker, a spokeswoman for Baltimore Housing, said the agency takes 'the care and safety of its residents very seriously.'
"'The agency is taking the necessary steps to repair a broken water pump at Lakeview Towers and to ensure that resident needs are being met during this time,' she said in an email Sunday evening. 'Each resident was notified on Friday and given a 4-day supply of water, plus there is additional water on site. Two hospitality apartments at Lakeview Towers have been made available to residents.'"
From The AFRO American: Third Baltimore Man Charged For Crimes During April Uprising
"A 19-year-old Baltimore man has been charged with arson, civil disobedience and other criminal counts, federal officials announced this week, becoming the third person charged for arson committed during the city’s April uprising.
"Public and private surveillance footage resulted in the charging of Donta Betts on attempted arson of a police cruiser, civil disorder and unlawful making of a destructive device, officials said. The criminal complaint was filed on Oct. 6 and unsealed Oct. 13.
“'The rule of law must be upheld, and criminals who destroy property and jeopardize lives must be held accountable,' U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in a statement. 'Recordings from public and private surveillance cameras allow police and prosecutors to identify suspects and prosecute them even when immediate arrests are not possible.'”
WBAL TV: Arrest Made in Killing of Transgender Woman
"Police arrested a 20-year-old man Friday in connection with the recent shooting death of a transgender woman.
"Rico Hector LeBlond, of Germantown, was arrested at the Germantown Transit Center, 19945 Aircraft Drive. He was taken into custody at 8 p.m. without incident.
"LeBlond has been charged with first-degree murder for the Oct. 15 homicide of DeAndre Smith, also known as Zella Ziona, a transgender female, according to investigators. Ziona was shot while in a service alley behind a Montgomery Village shopping center.
"Rico Hector LeBlond, of Germantown, was arrested at the Germantown Transit Center, 19945 Aircraft Drive. He was taken into custody at 8 p.m. without incident."