Howard County Police say an investigation into dirt bike problems led to a drug bust in Columbia. Officers had been investigating after noise complaints from the bikes were made about in the Owen Brown area when they discovered that a bike recently stolen through a transaction on the site OfferUp was listed again under a new name.
Police were able to identify the suspect as 19-year-old Deshawn Reed of Columbia. When officers arrested him and served a warrant at a home on Hickory Log Circle, they found not only the stolen bike but marijuana, rounds of ammunition, 70-vials of suspected crack cocaine. Evidence with the drug paraphilia led police to make another arrest, Faiq Matin of Baltimore.
Howard County Police want to remind residents of safe places to meet for online transactions:
Residents should also note that Howard County Police provide three designated “Transaction Safe Place” locations for sales arranged online. Parking spaces marked with yellow signs are available at the Northern District station in Ellicott City; the Southern District station in Laurel; and the new Community Outreach facility on Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Individuals may also use the lobby of each station. These “Safe Place” areas are video recorded every day, around the clock. If a buyer or seller refuses to meet at a police station, residents may want to reconsider the transaction.
